Anytime a film debuts to critical acclaim at Sundance, you have to at least consider its potential. I knew little about Peter Bratt's La Mission, and opted to keep it that way until I walked into the theater. What I witnessed during the two hours I spent inside was nothing short of an indie masterpiece- one that contained enough drama, comedy, and social relevance to warrant a spot on everyone's must-see list.
Though the title would hint at a foreign language film, rest assured that La Mission is done in English, with noteworthy talent all around. Benjamin Bratt plays Che, the film's lead protagonist, and it is his performance that the film relies on most. He is an ex-convict who uses his masculinity and toughness to gain respect within the San Francisco district. After mistakenly discovering that his son, Jes, is gay, his will and faith are put to the test. It is this struggle that sets in motion the events that encompass our central story.
Jeremy Ray Valdez is the other half to this battered relationship, and he showcases his talent with strength and control. He stands toe to toe with Bratt, earning his spot in the limelight as he works to bring a sympathetic and emotionally fragile gay teen to the forefront. His performance never begs for your attention, yet you give it to him anyways. You care for Jes and his struggles with everyday life. He is human; his desires for love and affection yield your every thought as you long for his community acceptance.
At its core, this film is about a father and his attempts to change for the better. It is about relationships and the struggles we all go through to make things right. It is about love, faith, and hope - the bond between a father and his son. It is about the longing for acceptance and the desire to be needed. It is about family, friends and sticking by each other during the most gruesome of times. It is about forgiveness and change. But most of all, the film is about believing in yourself and never forgetting who you are.
La Mission is a monumental film that encompasses Latin culture and uses it to showcase the ruthless stereotypes and struggles that exist within all walks of life. It is a unique and classy film, dealing with an age-old topic. It is beautifully directed and contains enough social relevance that it would be a shame for anyone to miss out. It is a bit cliché, but then again, getting a message like this across sometimes requires a bit of stereotyping and predictability. Rest assured that the film storms through it just fine, and you will be better for having seen it.
