This movie explores a side life that few movies even try to show. Carlos is a complicated, sensitive and confused young man who has great talent and loyalties to family. He is blessed with a wonderful God-given talent as a cartoonist. He harbors a bit of anger towards his father, whom he believes mistreated, his dearly departed mother. Despite the resentment, he still loves his dad and honors him. Romance, drama and adventure are skillfully woven to produce a heart- warming tale of triumph and reality. The movie explores the marginal difference between poverty and dreams of business success. The thin line between the legitimate hard working businessman and the under-the-table life of opportunistic predators is well documented in this production. Carlos is the good guy everyone loves and wants to see succeed, but he has his own demons to face. Carlos craves validation and affirmation from those closest to him but it seems like he can only find that type of appreciation from strangers. Many will see the silver lining of a dark cloud, while others will totally miss the point because they are far too removed from the premise of the film.
Review of Washington Heights
