A Mexican teenager whose dreams of becoming a soccer star are disrupted when his mother dies. He's smuggled across the border with the promise of a better life but is instead sold to a sweatshop in downtown LA.
Ari Lopez
Jesús
Renata Vaca
Elena
Andrés Delgado
Cesar
Diego Calva
Carlitos
Tatiana del Real
Marcela
Karla Rodríguez Coronado
Nadia
Jorge Antonio Guerrero
José
Hrach Titizian
Aram
Jason Patric
Stevens
Paulina Gaitán
Maria
Samm Levine
Nazarian
Alfredo Castro
El Jefe
Francisco Denis
Rodrigo
Adriana Paz
Prostitute
Yael Tadeo
Juan
Adina Eady
Rusanovschi
Daria Amona Fe
Woman in black
Miguel Ángel Hernández
Shaman
Antonio Monroy
Shaman
Angela Galupa
Rusanovschi's Mother
Jorge Ávila
Rico
Ángel Gabriel
Manuel
Rogelio Frausto
Gustavo
Rodrigo Sánchez
Carlos
Henry Tomas
Humberto
Mohit Ramchandani
Mo
Bailey Kai
Lisa
Andrew Truong
Asian Salesman
Spencer Christian
Running Employee
Bryan Patrick McCulley
Officer Skip
Director, Writer
Mohit Ramchandani
September 1, 2024
10
#MovieReview #CityOfDreams #CityOfDreamsFilm #CityOfDreamsMovie
Let me begin by sharing that my review of the movie "City of Dreams" might contain spoilers, not because I want to ruin the experience for you, but because this film impacted me so deeply that I was physically affected while watching it. Tears streamed down my face, and I felt nauseous throughout the entire movie.
The storyline follows Jesus, a 15-year-old boy who is sold into modern slavery to work in a factory in the United States, where he is subjected to trafficking, labor exploitation, and sexual abuse. Witnessing his journey of being beaten, slashed, and punched without speaking a word throughout the film is heart-wrenching. The actor, Ari Lopez, portrays this role with such intensity and skill that it is truly commendable.
This film gripped me so tightly that I found myself wanting to reach out and protect Jesus from the horrors he endured. Despite knowing it was just a movie, I couldn't help but feel a strong emotional connection to the character. The content may be disturbing, but the movie itself, including the acting and storytelling, is exceptional and ranks among the best I have seen.
Watching two impactful films in one day, both centered around different interpretations of Jesus, left me in awe of the power of cinema. These were movies I initially overlooked but am grateful I gave them a chance. "City of Dreams" takes viewers on an intense emotional journey, prompting reflection on the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals like Jesus.
The film sheds light on the atrocities of child and human trafficking, highlighting the importance of standing up against such injustices. It's a stark reminder that abuse and exploitation have no place in society, and it is our duty to protect those who are vulnerable.
If you are sensitive to heavy themes or graphic content, "City of Dreams" may not be suitable for you unless you have someone to share the emotional weight with. Personally, I don't think I could watch it again alone due to its intense nature, but I recognize the value of experiencing it with a supportive group.