Race Relations in Contemporary America. Who Knew They Could Be So Moving?

While race relations with foreign cultures were always a touchy subject in America, since the days of Native American assimilation in the 1800s, they were especially a hot-button issues during the Y2K era, when America wanted to become more open to those who were different, but also worried about illegal immigration (an issue exacerbated by President Trump, but that’s another story), especially with the linger of post-9/11 terrorism around, as well as getting discriminated against themselves. This of course inspired the movie Spanglish in 2004, a film that dealt with that issue, in the form of a sitcom-like film no less. (Okay, more like a sit-drama, knowing the subject material here.)

The film follows overseas immigrant Flor Moreno, (played by Paz Vega), who gets a job as a housekeeper for Deborah (played by Téa Leoni, who’s predictably way out of Adam Sandler’s league) and John Clasky (Adam Sandler), an American nuclear family with two kids of their own. Eventually, she finds her work rather impractical, given that she herself happens to be a single mother to a young girl. When Deborah decides to invite them to live in her house, tension stirs up as the two cultures try to navigate living with each other- suffice to say, it’s far easier said than done considering said friction between them. So much for trying to be inclusive!

Is it any good? Well, Adam Sandler, believe it or not, actually does a fairly good job in a dramatic role- a refreshing break from his usual Grown Ups-lowbrow comedic fare, and everyone else does a decent enough job in their acting roles. Moreover, as a film about clashing cultures in the Y2K era, it actually-dare I say it- does a great job, using offensive humour (if there are any in the first place) rather sparingly, (pretty impressive given who’s the starring role here) if they use them at all. The 2000s-sitcom style of filmmaking might bring to mind shows of that era, like Lizzie McGuire or Everyone Loves Raymond, but in any case, it’s a great way to discuss racial themes and discrimination with your fellow filmgoers. Even if they are kids who would be surprised that Adam Sandler is doing something other than a stupid comedy. (Frankly, anyone would be surprised at Adam Sandler’s role in this film here.)

In short, this was a well-made film exploring rather intense themes. 4 stars out of 5.