City of Dreams

The director did a good job creating moments where the audience could breathe. Spoiler alerts coming so heads up. This is a intense thriller that follows a young boy Jesus as he tries to escape from a sweatshop in downtown LA. It's violent and scary, but the truth isn't always rainbows. I'm sure if you have read some of the other reviews it talks about this films intensity, but there are also some beautiful moments. The relationship between Ari Lopez and Renata Vaca really show the power of support from another human being. I'm glad that this was incorporated into the film. Overall it was a good watch.

I'm at a complete loss of words after watching this film. It kept me up all night and thinking. I couldn't stop imagining kids all over the world who had no voice and were at the mercy of traffickers. It made me sick to my stomach to find out how kids are treated in sweatshops. A majority of people will probably react the same way I did which is the point of the film. I did some research and found out that this is the director's first movie. It's a pretty daring subject to tackle and it could have gone in many other directions, but he made a film the definitely hits you emotionally. Visually it is also stunning.

Ari Lopez! This kid is something else. It blows my mind that such a young kid is able to deliver such a powerful performance without saying a single line of dialogue. I would be curious about the direction he was given to tap into some of those deep and dark emotions we see Jesus is experiencing on screen. The other actors were phenomenal as well. I wasn't expecting to see Diego Calva, but I think that whatever role he plays he is great. It was a film that was cast well. I must imagine that it's difficult to be an actor portraying victims of child trafficking because it's impossible that these dark emotions don't bleed into you subconscious. I think actors who take challenging role is films that deal with something dark are pretty brave.

Mohit Ramchandani's, City of Dreams, follows a young boy (Jesus) who goes to America in search of a better life and to pursue his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. His dreams are quickly shattered after he is sold to a sweatshop and is forced to work through the days and nights. My opinion is that this film is worth going to the theater to watch. I think if you wait to watch it at your house you will not get the full experience. There is something about being in the theater and hearing the sound and seeing how the movie was supposed to be seen on a big screen. I think only then will you get the full impact of the story.

The U. S has a major problem and this film demonstrates that. I really don't know how it's possible that all of this is going on right under our noses. We are all guilty of not paying attention and being ignorant. People should watch this film themselves so they can be informed. It's quite scary to think about how many of us purchase cheap clothes which could have been made by a child. I swear this thought never crossed my mind until watching this film. I have not watched a film that has made me question my actions and this one did and I'm grateful for it. If you see this film I guarantee that you will feel the same way I do right now.

It's the kind of movie that doesn't pull its punches when showing the tough realities of life. There were parts where I honestly wanted to look away, just because of how intense and heartbreaking it gets. But at the same time, it's exactly that rawness that makes it so powerful. It's not an easy journey, but by the end, you can't help but feel inspired. It makes you appreciate the strength of the human spirit. It's heavy, but ultimately, it's hopeful in a way that feels earned. Jesus's story will inspire you. I would recommend this film to anyone and everyone. It will open your eyes to a world you didn't know existed.

The actors do such a great job at pulling you in, and by the end, you're left feeling this bittersweet mix of emotions. It's not all sunshine and happy endings, but it's a story that sticks with you in the best way, showing that even in the darkest moments, hope can still shine through. You are inspired by Jesus's story and it motivates you to want to make a change. I would love to know what happens to all of the people at the end of the film when they are on the school bus. That is a whole other story in itself. If you are unaware of human trafficking I would suggest you see this film to inform yourself.

The performances were one of the standout elements. The young lead actor was phenomenal, capturing both the innocence and the growing sense of despair as his situation worsens. His eyes tell the story. You can see the weight of his experiences building, but at the same time, there's this spark of hope that refuses to die. The supporting cast also shines, particularly in their portrayal of the other workers in the sweatshop, each with their own stories of struggle and survival. They add depth to the narrative and make the setting feel more real and oppressive. I would take the time to go and see it.