El Norte (film) - Critical Reception

Critical Reception

When released, Variety magazine described the film as the "first United American independent epic".

In his review, film critic Roger Ebert was pleased with Nava and Thomas's work and likened it to a classic film of yesteryear, writing: “"El Norte" (1983) tells their story with astonishing visual beauty, with unashamed melodrama, with anger leavened by hope. It is a "Grapes of Wrath" for our time.”

In a scene where the characters cross into California by means of a rat-infested sewer tunnel and emerge to a view of San Diego, Commonweal critic Tom O'Brien wrote: "the scene sums up its rare strength".

Film critics Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat of the website Spirituality and Practice were touched by Nava and Thomas' story and the attention they give to the character's native roots, and wrote: "Nava's attention to details, particularly the aesthetic and religious beauty of Indian culture, and his sympathy for the protagonists' inner lives lift this story above its melodramatic moments and make the tale a memorable one."

Yet, some film reviewers objected to what they considered the film's overly sad end.

Vincent Canby, writing for The New York Times, wrote: “Until its arbitrarily tragic ending, "El Norte" seems about to make one of the most boldly original and satirical social-political statements ever to be found in a film about the United States as a land of power as well as opportunity.” However, Canby did find the acting top-rate and noted the realism they bring to their tasks. He added: “Mr. Nava does not patronize his "little people." This has something to do with the straight, unactorly quality of the performances, especially by Zaide Silvia Gutierrez as Rosa and David Villalpando as Enrique, two splendid Mexican actors.”

The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 89% of critics gave the film a positive review, based on nine reviews.