120 Days (2013) User Reviews

Provides a necessary human element to the immigration dialogue...

[OnlyOneNights · 10/10 · 13 October 2015]

I had the pleasure of seeing this documentary at a film festival in Raleigh. Without going into too much detail, I think this film provided a necessary narrative to the central point of the immigration issue: family. This film does a wonderful job of showcasing the impact, influence, and contribution of a family that is just seeking out a better life.

Good people, hardworking, and law abiding. Furthermore, the film does a wonderful, albeit saddening, exploration of the laws revolving around the immigration and deportation conundrum here in the states. If only all American citizens were more like the family depicted in 120 Days.

Do yourself a favor and check it out!

A inside view of the human side of Immagration

[gcraynor · 9/10 · 6 October 2015]

This is a well done documentary that shows the human side of immigration. The family is the type of family you would love to have as neighbors. Teddy Roach does a great job humanizing the plight while not forcing any political views on the viewer.

This deeply personal view into the family's last 120 days together in the US and is a great way for all of us to grapple with our personal views on immigration policies and how they effect real families that have to struggle with them.

I hope all of our leaders in the US government take the time to watch pieces like this, so they can fully understand the impact of the rules they make or the laws they enforce.

A touching and heartfelt journey of a family bound by love, dreams of a better life and commitment to one another. .

[cincoks · 10/10 · 15 October 2015]

This film is both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time! Director Ted Roach did a great job bringing to light an issue that is so often swept under the rug in our society. What an honor it was to experience the love and compassion that Miguel and his family have for one another. This is without a doubt, the true definition of a love story. It may not be the version we as a society are used to viewing, but it certainly mirrors every aspect of what we all long for. The authentic nature of this family is present throughout the entire film. It is a true blessing to be able to witness the connection that each of the family members share. Although, everyone watching this film may not be able to relate, on a personal level, to the challenges that Miguel and his family face, I do feel that we can all relate to the inner emotion that binds this family together. I absolutely loved this film and think it is a must see for all! You will certainly leave a more empathetic person than you walked in!

Honest and Heartfelt

[dagtype · 10/10 · 12 October 2015]

With so many pundits and politicians attempting to demonize undocumented immigrants, "120 Days" provides an essential corrective. The people in this moving documentary come to seem like family members, and the human toll of immigration policy becomes achingly real.

Ted Roach, the writer-director, uses subtle editing and unobtrusive narration to convey the urgency of the situation facing an undocumented immigrant named Miguel Cortes -- and he does so without resorting to sensationalism or sentimentality. The approach is simple, direct -- and all the more effective because of that.

Even viewers who shy away from documentaries will find themselves drawn into the drama of Cortes and his family. The film is just as suspenseful as a Hollywood thriller, and the outcome of the story will stay with you long after the film ends.

Highly recommended.

Required viewing

[graytolson · 10/10 · 12 October 2015]

Very approachable, very powerful. This film puts a real flesh and blood face to what can be an abstract issue for a lot of Americans. What we read and hear from the media on this issue is a far cry from the reality as we delve into the darker side of our immigration laws. With very little narration, the filmmaker has the where with all and good sense to step out of the way and let the power and love of Miguel's family lead the way as we fret with each and every turn. Miguel's decision is one that should resonate within us all. This film should be required viewing not just for our representatives in DC, but for all citizens.

Let's Be Real

[mawsis · 9/10 · 24 November 2019]

While I completely agree that these are hard working, loving people, Mr. Cortes twice crossed the border illegally.

The first time was to get a job (to send $$ home) & find an apartment; he then crossed back to Mexico to get his wife and two daughters to sneak once again in to the USA. Two crimes already.

He then was caught illegally driving a car without a license; his wife didn't have a license either and was lucky she wasn't picked up too. Their daughters were not in the car with them; they had already been dropped off at school.

The USA does not break up families. Illegals do that to themselves.

Real People Make Real Immigration Issues

[sallyb919 · 10/10 · 14 October 2015]

Ted Roach's excellent documentary helps bring human scale to issues that often seem in the realm of politicians and television pundits. A family that is probably in your community, part of your world, faces difficult choices about their futures that will change their lives and those around them. The Cortes family works and plays yet one moment, being stopped (for what reason) by the police and their world stops. Except it doesn't. Because they have 120 Days to make choices of who and where to be. But this is not fiction. It happened to actual people, and they are living out the effects of the choices they made. The film is beautiful, too. Will move you.

Outstanding!

[tmackey-38264 · 10/10 · 12 November 2015]

"120 Days" exposes the human side of immigrant families in this country. This film is emotionally packed as you begin to feel like you know the family members and can really empathize with their situation. I was especially interested in this film because it features a family not far from where I live in North Carolina. This is one family that was featured in a film but they represent so many others who are struggling with the same reality. You really begin to see that people are fearful and living in the shadows because of the unfair, unjust system we have in the U.S. This film has been an eye opener for many and I strongly urge anyone regardless of their stance on immigration to watch "120 Days."

A Must See!

[ebedgewood · 10/10 · 15 October 2015]

I was able to watch this film in the intimate atmosphere of the Varsity Theatre in Chapel Hill - an atmosphere that allowed the audience to share their emotions with one another both during and after the filming. The family featured in this film embodies everything that the American family has come to represent - a family dedicated to one another, dedicated to their faith, dedicated to their community! A family that knows the value of hard work and a good education! The only problem is - it is a family that we Americans are apparently only comfortable with by putting the label of "illegal aliens" on! If you have not seen this film, and continue to be comfortable using that label, consider exposing yourself to a side of what another "America" has to offer. We will ALL profit from your willingness to open that door! This beautifully composed film has a message for All communities.

Walk in this family's shoes for 120 days

[suethelen · 13 November 2015]

While waiting at a stop light, Miguel Cortes is pulled over by a cop in North Carolina but charged with nothing. He is instead only asked for papers, and when unable to produce a driver's license, is arrested and jailed while his daughters are left in the car. Cortes is a law-abiding, working, contentedly married father of two girls and was taking them to school. At an immigration hearing, he is assessed a $5,000 fine and given 120 days to put his affairs in order and depart the country. This is the story of those days.

"Before you criticize a person, walk a mile in his shoes." Remember that one? Here's the viewers' opportunity to instead spend 120 days in the Cortes family's shoes. Viewers get to know and become a part of the family as they plan personal and financial matters in preparation for his separation from them.

Whatever your feelings about deportation of undocumented aliens, this movie will cause you to think again and put them in sharper contrast. For anyone with even a small degree of authority over the matter, it is a near compulsory watch.