1.19.2009

. . . And the Pursuit of Happiness (1986)

This is one of Louis Malle's collected documentaries in the Criterion Collection. The title is of course taken from the U.S. Declaration of Independence and implies the American Dream. Malle takes us on an 80-minute tour around the U.S. where we meet immigrants of all kinds. Why would people put themselves through such a hard life in the U.S. where bigotry and injustice are so prevalent? The answer is clear: unfettered opportunities and the freedom to decide what course your life will take.


A couple very poignant moments are a conversation between a Mexican illegal immigrant and an immigration officer who is deporting him and then interviews with El Salvador's General Samosa's son who live in Florida. 

This is a very striking film.

IMDB

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