This is a story of young love. It is simple and uncomplicated in plot, but there is so much to see, and the mood is nice.

Victor and his two siblings are raised by their Dominican grandmother, who is convinced Victor is a bad influence on his younger brother, though Victor is a pretty good guy. They live in poverty, but it isn't made cheesy or tear-jerky like in so many other movies...it is simply there.

His love-interest is initially reluctant, but Victor charms her like the movie charmed me.

I liked how the poverty was dealt with. It seemed honest, and like a minor backdrop to their lives. One of the most touching moments was when he finds a coin and buys her a cheap trinket from a vending machine, which she gives a special place on her dresser. It was a small gesture, but it showed how much that sort of thing could mean to a person (without playing it up for tears or anthing too sappy).

Reflective. I came from a poorer neighborhood when I was younger, and the movie really captured the daily lives of some people I knew, and it really brought back memories.

I don't think any of them are professional actors. In fact, they don't seem like they are acting...it's almost as if you are peeping in on a real family. So they are probably more effective and affecting than many hammy professional actors.

It is sweet, funny, and touching.

If you like elaborate plots with twists and turns and surprises, this probably won't be your thing.

Also, my boyfriend felt a little uncomfortable with how poor they were...to the point thathe missed out on some of the sweet parts because he found it a bit depressing.

I, however, thought it was beautiful. :)

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Created Oct 05, 2003 at 11:42pm • Submit your own review...