I haven’t seen too much of the work that Diego Luna has written and/or directed, but I’ve generally liked what I’ve seen. This one is a bit of a disappointment to me. I wouldn’t say it’s a bad film, but it’s not as compelling as it could’ve been, especially given the subject matter. I do want to point out, though, that while Luna directed this film, he did not write the screenplay, which seems to be the weak link in the production.
We follow the campaigns of Cesar Chavez as a labor organizer fighting for the rights of farm workers in California in the middle of the 20th century. A tireless activist, Chavez throws his whole soul into this fight. Most prominently, we follow the Delano grape pickers’ strike and boycott of 1965-1970.
I was looking forward to this film. Like a lot of Americans, I didn’t really learn about Cesar Chavez in school, beyond his name and maybe a paragraph about the grape pickers’ strikes, but as I explored his story a bit more in adulthood, I found it very moving. I was eager to see a well-made drama depicting his life. Unfortunately, this is a middling film that never really breaks out of its typical-biopic conventions.
And that shouldn’t have been the case. There’s a lot of talent involved here. Michael Peña plays Chavez with quiet nobility, and America Ferrera is his brave wife Helen while Rosario Dawson plays determined fellow activist Dolores Huerta. All three play their roles with dedication, but the script feels by-the-numbers and a little listless. Many of the big moments don’t hit the way they should. The film is almost too reverential to Chavez, making him feel more like a symbol than a living, breathing person.
But like I said, I wouldn’t call this a bad film, just one that’s not as good as it ought to be. There are strong scenes here. I like seeing Helen volunteer to urge workers to strike, knowing she’ll be arrested, because the movement can’t afford to have Cesar in prison. The film effectively portrays the various opponents that Chavez and the union encounter, from gleefully racist/violent foremen to a trio of Karens scandalized by the Chavezes’ community organizing. And I appreciate that the film doesn’t ignore the collaboration between the Chicano and Filipino farm workers with Larry Itlong played by Darion Basco (brother of Rufio!)
Diego Luna’s direction doesn’t draw much attention to itself. As with the actors, it feels a little hampered by the lackluster script. His best directing moments, for me, come in the visuals, where words fall away and the images tell the story. I especially like the dismal shots of the fruit pickers working in the fields (including children,) the scene of strikers and allies singing as they march to Sacramento against the backdrop of the setting sun, and seeing Delano grapes being dumped into the Thames when Chavez visits the U.K.
Recommend?
In General – A hesitant maybe. The film has its moments, but Cesar Chavez deserved a stronger movie than this.
Diego Luna – Maybe, but it’s not a must. If you’re interested in Luna’s behind-the-camera work, there are better examples elsewhere.
Warnings
Violence, disturbing images, language (including racial slurs,) drinking/smoking, and strong thematic elements.
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