I watched this on an unsubtitled $1 DVD I found in a local discount store. I speak Spanish reasonably well and had no trouble understanding it. It's not a masterpiece by any means, but the main storyline, which follows several impoverished Mexicans as they cross illegally into the US and attempt to make a living, is serious and handled well. I think it was a decent look at the dangers of crossing the border and the hardships illegal workers face. There is also another comic storyline about another illegal immigrant who works as a servant and gardener for a rich woman who keeps having to bail him out of trouble. It's a little jarring--imagine if the similar drama "El Norte" had a part for, say, Martin Lawrence. This plot line does balance out the more depressing gritty realism of the main storyline, though. The lack of sensationalism and willingness to face a few serious issues makes it worth a look if you're interested in the subject.