“Walkout” is based on a true story of Mexican-American high school students and their fight for educational justice and empowerment in 1970. Released March 18, 2006 on HBO and starring Alexa Vega, Efren Ramiez and Michael Pena the film was directed by Edward Olmos.
Set up in East Los Angeles, the story begins when Paula Cristomo (played by Alexa Vega) realizes she is fed up with being treated unequally. She joins a group of self-conscious students from around East LA that are determined to struggle for opened bathrooms, a right to speak Spanish and no physical punishments. Mexican-American Community overcomes plenty of obstacles. The protesters feel bewildered and disorientated as they face with violence and resistance of the local police forces. The turning point of the walkout brings a lot of tears and doubts to the main heroes, but they don’t give up and gather all the willpower to be proud of their Chicano origins. Paula have to rub through her father`s disfavor and her boyfriend`s foul play, who turned out to be a policeman. But nothing can destroy her faith in Chicano.
The film is full of breathtaking moments. Despite it hasn`t got any spectacular effects, it provides the agenda, that every nation has a right of national determination and that it is vital to be proud of your origins. The acting and music are true to life. The director`s Mexican-American origins helped him to touch the heart of the audience and give the incentive to move forward. The music makes you feel rather high-spirited. I would strongly recommend it to people who feel like being at a loss. It will strongly motivate to change your life for better.
Bibliography/Citations:
Martinez, Elizabeth. “De Colores Means All of Us” South End Press, 1998: 1. Print.
Shay, Alison “Remembering the Chicano Student Walkouts of 1968” Owl.english.purdue.edu , Publishing the Long Civil Rights Movement, March 5, 2012 Web. , 25 November 2013
