The Price of the American Dream

The Price of the American Dream is a 2001 film directed by Jackie Torres. The film was shot in Los Angeles, California and was the production debut for Laguna Productions.

Plot

The film follows the story of the Munoz family, one that immigrated to the United States years before any of their children were born, and the children seem to be the ones causing the problems.

Christian (Espinoza) is in a gang that constantly rivals against the other ones in Los Angeles. When a [...] takes place on both sides, the gangs plot revenge against each other, throwing the other seven family members into trouble with the police. Laura Fernandez (Torres) who has just come in from Mexico to finish her masters at the University uses the family for her Sociology paper. With the two daughters partying all the time, the parents in their resignation towards their kids, and the ones who are trying to make things better and turns this into a book none of them will ever forget.

Even more problems begin to ensue, however, simply days before the Munoz parents are to get their legal citizenship papers. While partying, Maria (Jimenez) ends up in a car accident and is paralyzed from the waist down. Jackie (Paraoan) is at her boyfriends' party and she is raped by some of his friends. As well, Meno, who gets a scholarship in order to go to college gets shot due to Christians' sins in his gang. The price of the American dream, as Laura attests, may just be getting through the day alive.

Cast

  • Mario Ramirez as Chendo, the eldest son.
  • Jackie Torres as Laura, the goddaughter from Mexico.
  • Rebeca Silva as Rosa Munoz, the mother.
  • Carlos Mendez as Manuel Munoz, the father.
  • Albertossy Espinoza as Christian, the gangbanger son.
  • Raquel Jimenez as Maria, the party animal eldest daughter.
  • Gabriel Guillen as Meno, the youngest son.
  • Liz Paraoan as Jackie, the youngest daughter.

Sequel

A sequel, The Price of the American Dream II is currently being produced through Laguna Productions and is being directed by Michael Amundsen.