This wonderful documentary is directed by Rosie Perez and narrated by Jimmy Smits.
Through the eyes of her family and her family’s history Rosie Perez examines Puerto Rican culture and identity using the Puerto Rican Day parade at the start and at the end of the film as a symbol of great meaning through which it expounds on and ultimately answers the question of What it means to be a Boricua.
The film also looks at the history of the Tainos, as well as the contributions made by Puerto Rican painters and poets, and in lighter moments it reflects on that unique Puerto Rican creation known as Spanglish.
Much to her credit the film does not ignore politics as it goes deep into the long and tragic history between Puerto Rico and the United States.
A history of colonization and exploitation by the US government and US corporations that sadly continues to this day.
The heroic figure of Pedro Albizu Campos is brought back to life as is the revolutionary legacy of The Young Lords in New York City.The tragedy of Vieques with all the death and destruction caused by the US military and the protests held against it. Also, lesser known history such as the forced sterilizations and birth control testing that were done to Puerto Rican women by the US government as well as the plight of those that immigrated to the US from Puerto Rico and the racism and poverty that were a daily reality for them.
In the end, the beauty, creativity, and the joyful, resilient spirit of the Puerto Rican people shines through and makes this a very moving and special film.
Highly Recommended.
