Watch La Mission

La Mission is a 2009 family drama written and directed by Peter Bratt. The movie showcases Benjamin Bratt’s powerful performance as a father whose life changes when he discovers his son is gay. The story is set in the San Francisco neighborhood of La Mission which is known for being a biracial and multicultural community. The main character of the movie, Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt), is an ex-con, single father who drives a city bus for a living. Che is a tough and proud man who is proud of his Chicano heritage and the history of his neighborhood. He is also very protective of his only son, Jess (Jeremy Ray Valdez), who he raised as a single father after Jess’ mother died in childbirth.

Jess is a talented artist who has dreams of attending the San Francisco Art Institute. Jess’ sexuality is never a topic they talk about, but when Che finds out that Jess is gay, he feels like his whole world is turning upside down. Che is old-fashioned and has a hard time coming to terms with his son’s homosexuality. He sees it as a threat to his own masculinity, to his family traditions, and to his community pride.

Che decides he will not let Jess’ homosexuality ruin his life and his dreams. He tries to change Jess, force him to date a girl, to attend church, and to stop wearing earrings. He even gets violent with him. After a while, Jess can not take it anymore and runs away from home, which leads to a series of events that will teach Che to understand and accept his son.

La Mission is not only a movie about a father struggling to accept his son’s sexuality but also a depiction of the vibrant and diverse La Mission neighborhood. There are many scenes of the characters walking through the colorful streets and alleys, enjoying the music and the food, participating in cultural events like the Carnaval Parade, and advocating for their community rights. The movie highlights the struggles of the Chicano and LGBTQ communities and how they intersect.

The acting in the movie is outstanding, especially Benjamin Bratt’s performance. He portrays Che with depth and nuance, conveying his inner turmoil and his passion for his family and his culture. Alex Hernandez, who plays the younger brother, Carlos, stands out as well, delivering a touching and authentic portrayal of a young man dealing with his own identity and his brother’s acceptance.

One of the most powerful aspects of La Mission is its soundtrack. The movie features a mix of classic Latin songs like “El Mató a un Policía Motorizado” by Los Rodriguez and “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens, as well as original music by Mark Kilian and various artists. The music creates an authentic atmosphere and amplifies the emotions of the characters.

Another strong aspect of the movie is its cinematography. The camera work, by Hiro Narita, creates an intimate and immersive experience, taking the audience on a journey through the winding streets and hills of La Mission. The use of natural light, soft colors, and candid angles enhances the realism and the emotional resonance of the story.

Overall, La Mission is a poignant and thought-provoking movie that deals with important issues and delivers a powerful message of acceptance and love. It shows the complexities and the richness of the Chicano and LGBTQ communities and how they intersect and thrive in a diverse and challenging environment. The movie is a must-see for anyone who cares about family, culture, and social justice.