Watch Documented

In 2011, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas stunned the world when he revealed in a New York Times Magazine essay that he was an undocumented immigrant. This revelation prompted a national conversation about immigration, but it also forced Vargas to confront his own past and future. Director Jose Antonio Vargas, who goes by the name Tony, documents his own journey of self-discovery in the film Documented.

The film begins with Vargas's arrival in the United States from the Philippines at the age of 12. He chronicles his upbringing in California, where he excelled academically and pursued a career in journalism. Along the way, Vargas reflects on the moment when he learned the truth about his immigration status and the fear and uncertainty that ensued.

Despite the risks, Vargas continued to work as a journalist and became a prominent figure in his field. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his work at the Washington Post and later joined the New Yorker. But as he became more successful, Vargas felt a growing sense of guilt and responsibility. He knew that he couldn't continue to hide his undocumented status forever, and he worried about the impact his story would have on his family.

Finally, in 2011, Vargas decided to come out as undocumented. He wrote his essay for the New York Times Magazine and braced himself for the backlash. But to his surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Vargas became a spokesperson for the Dream Act, a proposed law that would grant legal status to undocumented youth who arrived in the United States as children.

Documented follows Vargas as he travels the country, speaking at rallies and engaging in debates about immigration reform. Along the way, he meets other undocumented immigrants who have also come out of the shadows. Vargas is moved by their resilience and courage, and his encounters with them deepen his own understanding of his identity and his place in the world.

The film also explores Vargas's relationship with his mother, Leonila Salinas. Vargas's decision to come out as undocumented risked bringing attention to his mother, who was also undocumented. But Salinas is a proud and defiant woman who refuses to live in fear. Together, Vargas and Salinas confront the harsh realities of their situation and find strength in each other's love and support.

Ultimately, Documented is a powerful portrait of one man's journey to reconciling his identity as an American and an undocumented immigrant. It is also a vibrant and inspiring celebration of the immigrant experience, and a call to action for all those who believe in a more just and inclusive society. Through his personal story, Vargas sheds light on the larger issues surrounding immigration, and makes a compelling case for why reform is necessary.

The film is shot with a raw, personal touch that puts viewers in Tony's shoes. We see how his status as an undocumented immigrant has affected his life, his work and his relationships. The film does not shy away from the uncertainty and fear that many undocumented immigrants face. At the same time, it celebrates the vibrant cultural contributions of immigrants to American society.

Overall, Documented is an emotional and thought-provoking film that provides a deep and nuanced look at the complex issue of immigration in the United States. It is a must-see for anyone interested in journalism, activism, and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Documented is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 61.