The film does attempt to depict actual events; however, I have to wonder how much is enhanced for dramatic effect. First of all, the anti-NAFTA angle is at best disingenuous. Maquiladoras did not start with NAFTA, they had been in existence previously contrary to what the movie suggests. Secondly, the implication that there is some utopian protectionist alternative isn't born about by any evidence. Many people have come to the border area to work in the factories but their wages are generally higher than the areas they came from and lest anyone think Mexico was crime free prior to NAFTA should watch "Los Olvidados" a film about violent youths in Mexico City in 1950. Also, the notion newspapers were somehow unconcerned with the "bottom line" in the past is also a reach.
I will say the film tries to depict the gritty life that exists on the US Mexican border and certainly the murders are gruesome and the police have been ineffective at best in solving the crimes. However, the notion of some evil capitalist conspiracy seems to originate from the story writer's emotions.
I will say the film tries to depict the gritty life that exists on the US Mexican border and certainly the murders are gruesome and the police have been ineffective at best in solving the crimes. However, the notion of some evil capitalist conspiracy seems to originate from the story writer's emotions.