This past weekend, I embarked on a personal journey to watch movies that had been on my 'must watch but hadn't gotten around to it' list. It was on this journey that lead me to McFarland, USA. Not the actual location but the film that came out in 2015.
McFarland, USA is based on a true story about a group of young Latinos whose lives are changed by their cross country couch. Right off the bat you know it's going to be a heartwarming film due to the fact that its true and those are always tear jerkers. Normally I'm not the biggest sports related films fan but this one has left quite the impression. From the start to finish I was zoned in. My journey with this film was filled with laughter and good amount of tears (for those of you who know me, you know I don't cry for just anything so this should be a red flag). Tear for the moving parts that jerk at the hearts strings and laughs for the "white family living in a predominately Latino community", scenes.
At first I didn't understand why this film was having such a reaction from me. I mean I'm crying from the first 20 minutes until the very end. It suddenly dawned on me that I was feeling emotional because I could relate with the characters. Now, I'm not a runner and I don't wake up at 5 in the morning to go work then still have to go to school. But nonetheless I felt a connection because I know their struggle. I see it in the people around me. I was blessed to be the given the certain opportunities in life but I know that there are thousands of Latinos who don't. I have heard stories from family members and friends who had to experience the reality that the boys in the film did. I've know people who wanted to purse an education but were denied their right because they needed to work to help sustain their family. As I watched the film I though to myself, "Finally, a film where I can relate to a different level, a film where people can see the harsh reality that young Latinos are faced with challenges that some of us can't even imagine".
Representation is incredibly important, and this film captures the essence that is having to be a Latino in a world that makes you think you have a limit. The essence of family being the people around you who help and support you, not just blood related. The essence of judging a book by its cover only to uncover something beautiful on the inside. 
It saddens me that this film didn't get the recognition it deserved. But I'm hopeful that this may make you decide to watch and possibly love it the way I do. I would put this film alongside other greats like Stand and Deliver and Freedom Writers.
Go watch it.
The actual runners and coach the movie is based on.
