Al otro lado 2006
Directed by
Natalia Almada
Made by
Cinema Tropical
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Al otro lado (2006). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
This poignant drama explores the heart-wrenching stories of three children, each yearning to reconnect with their absent fathers.
The first tale unfolds in Mexico, where Priciliano, an 8-year-old boy, grapples with his father’s departure for the United States in search of work. With his 9th birthday approaching, Priciliano struggles to comprehend his father’s absence. His mother tries to maintain normalcy, but he feels compelled to embark on his own journey to find his dad. After hearing his uncle recount the tales of those who have attempted to cross into the US, including both successes and failures, Priciliano believes he can succeed as well. He enlists a friend, and together they set out across a small lagoon in a tiny boat, which quickly begins to sink. In a near-drowning experience, Priciliano is unexpectedly saved by the spirit of a woman, a tragic figure from a fairy tale his father once shared. Following this ordeal, he shares a meaningful conversation with his uncle, who offers deeper insights into their economic plight, ultimately fostering a better understanding of his father’s decision to leave for work.
The second narrative follows a young girl named Fatima in Morocco, who embarks on a quest to find her father, who left for Spain two years prior. Waking before dawn, Fatima sneaks away while her mother sleeps. She soon meets a man who assures her that there’s space on a boat heading to Spain. Despite her excitement, she finds herself among a group of older girls, tragically caught in the clutches of sex trafficking upon reaching Spain. Although the woman who traffics the girls initially spares Fatima due to her young age, her conscience ultimately compels her to assist Fatima in locating her father, who is living unhappily with a girlfriend. Fatima returns to Morocco with her father, but the film leaves their reunion with her mother and her father’s intentions uncertain.
The final story centers on Angel, a poverty-stricken boy from Cuba, who lives with his mother, a prostitute, and his affectionate grandfather. Driven by a desire to find his father, whom he believes resides in America, Angel frequently confides in his best friend, Walter. The two boys muster their courage and set out on an inflatable inner tube to cross the treacherous waters to Florida. However, their excitement turns to tragedy when they are capsized, leading to Walter’s drowning. Traumatized, Angel returns home silent about the ordeal. As Walter’s family searches for him, Angel’s fear and guilt consume him. Ultimately, the truth emerges when Angel confides in his mother, who reveals the heartbreaking reality: his father never knew of his existence, a secret she kept to shield Angel from further pain.
These interconnected vignettes reveal the profound impact of immigration and the emotional toll of having absent parents, illustrating the harsh realities faced by families left behind. Each child’s story powerfully underscores their shared longing for connection across borders and the devastating consequences of separation.
Timeline
Track the key events of Al otro lado (2006) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Priciliano's Father's Departure
In a small town in Mexico, 8-year-old Priciliano grapples with the emotional fallout of his father's departure for the United States. His father left in search of work, leaving Priciliano to ponder the reasons behind his absence as his 9th birthday approaches.
The Call to Adventure
Feeling the weight of his father's absence, Priciliano decides he must find his dad, driven by a deep longing for connection. His mother tries to provide stability, but Priciliano's yearning propels him into action, setting him on a quest across borders.
The Journey Begins
Enlisting the help of a friend, Priciliano prepares to cross a small lagoon on a tiny boat. Their adventure quickly turns perilous as the boat begins to sink, plunging them into a dangerous situation.
A Near-Death Experience
As the tiny boat capsizes, Priciliano is thrown into the water and struggles against the waves. In a surreal moment of despair, he feels the presence of a spirit—a tragic figure from a fairy tale told by his father who comes to his rescue.
An Uncle's Wisdom
Following his near-drowning experience, Priciliano has a poignant conversation with his uncle. The uncle reveals deeper insights about their family's economic struggles, helping Priciliano to better understand the difficult choices made by his father.
Fatima's Early Morning Escape
In Morocco, young Fatima awakens before dawn and sneaks away from home, driven by a desperate desire to find her father, who has been in Spain for two years. She is filled with hope as she embarks on her journey alone.
A False Promise
Fatima meets a man who assures her that she can find passage to Spain. Excited but unaware of the dangers that lay ahead, she boards a boat, only to find herself among older girls who become victims of sex trafficking upon arrival.
Caught in Darkness
Upon reaching Spain, Fatima realizes the grim reality of her situation. Although the trafficker initially spares her due to her age, she soon finds herself entangled in a harrowing world where her freedom hangs by a thread.
A Compassionate Turn
Moved by her conscience, the woman holding Fatima captive helps her locate her father. However, upon reuniting, Fatima discovers that her father is living in a troubled relationship, complicating their reunion and future.
Angel's Aspirations
Meanwhile, in Cuba, Angel, a boy living with his prostitute mother and loving grandfather, yearns to find his father in America. Confiding in his best friend Walter, he expresses his dreams to one day reunite with the man he believes is waiting for him.
Setting Sail for Hope
Together, Angel and Walter gather their courage and embark on a treacherous journey across the ocean in an inflatable inner tube. Driven by hope, they set their sights on reaching Florida, where Angel believes his father resides.
Tragedy Strikes
As they make their way across the water, Angel and Walter's adventure takes a tragic turn when they encounter stormy seas. Their inflatable tube capsizes, resulting in a heartbreaking drowning that shatters Angel's innocence.
The Weight of Guilt
Devastated by the loss of his friend, Angel returns home consumed by guilt and silence. The traumatic experience isolates him, as he struggles to cope with the weight of Walter's drowning and the fear of consequences.
Revelations Unveiled
After days of torment, Angel finally confides in his mother about what transpired. Her response is heartbreaking; she reveals that his father never even knew Angel existed, a truth she had hidden to protect him from further pain.
Shared Longings
Through each child's journey, the stories poignantly illustrate the heavy emotional toll of separation from parents due to immigration. Their intertwined experiences reflect a universal longing for connection, hope, and the desire for family amidst the harsh realities of life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Al otro lado (2006) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Priciliano
Priciliano is an 8-year-old boy who struggles to understand his father's absence as he prepares for his 9th birthday. His journey reflects the innocence of childhood amid complex family dynamics and economic hardships. He is driven by a deep yearning for connection, showcasing both vulnerability and resilience as he embarks on a quest to find his father.
Fatima
Fatima is a brave young girl from Morocco, determined to find her father who left for Spain. Her journey reveals both the innocence and peril faced by young girls, emphasizing her courage despite being lured into dangerous situations. Fatima's character illustrates the themes of hope and resilience amidst despair, reflecting the struggle for a familial bond.
Angel
Angel is a poverty-stricken boy from Cuba, yearning to connect with his father whom he believes lives in America. His love for his family is complicated by tragedy and guilt following a disastrous attempt to cross the waters with his friend. Angel embodies the struggles of children affected by socioeconomic challenges, revealing the depths of yearning and emotional turmoil.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Al otro lado (2006), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie does not specify an exact time period but captures the ongoing issues surrounding migration and family separation that persist across generations. The themes resonate in the current global landscape, addressing contemporary challenges faced by families in search of better opportunities.
Location
Mexico, Morocco, Spain, Cuba, Florida
The film's settings span multiple countries, each reflecting unique cultural and economic challenges. Mexico serves as the starting point for Priciliano's journey, representing the struggles of families impacted by immigration. Morocco highlights the vulnerability of young girls like Fatima, while Cuba showcases the struggles of poverty and familial bonds. Florida symbolizes the dream many hold for a better life, despite the perils that lie in crossing the waters.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Al otro lado (2006). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Immigration
Immigration forms the core theme of the film, as each child's story revolves around the quest to reunite with their absent fathers. The narratives shed light on the emotional and physical toll of crossing borders and the harsh realities faced by families left behind. Through these interconnected tales, the film eloquently explores the dreams and fears associated with pursuing a better life.
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Family Separation
Family separation is poignantly illustrated through the struggles of each child to connect with their fathers. The characters experience profound emotional pain and longing, highlighting how absence affects children’s lives and their understanding of familial love. The film underscores the devastating impact of separation on both children and parents, ultimately emphasizing the need for connection.
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Dangerous Journeys
The perilous journeys of the characters symbolize the risks many take in pursuit of their dreams. From battling treacherous waters to facing potential exploitation, the stories encapsulate the dangers migrants face. These journeys serve to highlight the resilience and courage required to overcome overwhelming odds in hopes of reuniting with loved ones.
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