Sin Nombre opens in Mexico where a boy named Casper introduces a kid to his gang with a violent initiation. The youngster, Smiley, then helps in the murder a rival gang member. The two hop a train heading north to America. A third guy, lil mago, joins them and attacks a Honduran girl, Sayra who is defended by Casper who kills lil Mago. Smiley travels back to the gang leader who sends him to track down and execute Casper as retribution for lil mago's death.
Casper is savvy due to past experience in smuggling Latin Americans to the U.S. Sayra befriends him despite her father and uncles protests. The two end up at a shelter for food and water and to rest before continuing their treacherous journey. They reach a river which borders America in pursuit of the dream of a better life. What follows is sadly realistic and human. The early shots from the roof of the trains is beautiful, especially one in particular of a giant statue of Jesus Christ with arms raised skyward. A picture is worth 1,000 words.
Casper is savvy due to past experience in smuggling Latin Americans to the U.S. Sayra befriends him despite her father and uncles protests. The two end up at a shelter for food and water and to rest before continuing their treacherous journey. They reach a river which borders America in pursuit of the dream of a better life. What follows is sadly realistic and human. The early shots from the roof of the trains is beautiful, especially one in particular of a giant statue of Jesus Christ with arms raised skyward. A picture is worth 1,000 words.