Watch Tejano

Tejano is a 2018 independent drama film directed by David Blue Garcia. The movie revolves around Hector, a young Mexican-American man from South Texas who struggles to find his place in the world. The protagonist of the film, Patrick Mackie, plays the role of Hector. Hector is a hardworking, blue-collar worker who wants to provide a better future for his family. He operates the family's 24-hour Mexican restaurant and dreams of opening up his own food truck.

Despite his struggles, Hector seems to have a stable life with a girlfriend named Maria, portrayed by Mayra Leal. However, everything changes when his younger brother, Jaime, portrayed by Roland Uribe, is sentenced to prison. Hector's former lifestyle of selling drugs prevented him from saving Jaime or even himself from the dangerous cycle of violence, addiction, and criminality.

As Hector tries to reconcile with his brother, he soon realizes that he is still haunted by his past. The conflicts are internal as much as they are external. Hector grapples with his conscience as he has to choose between loyalty to his family and freeing himself from the cycle of violence.

Tejano is a slow-burn film that portrays the harsh reality of growing up in a South Texas border town. It takes us into Hector's world, where the sound of gunfire and police sirens is a familiar backdrop to everyday life. The film features a unique blend of music, culture, and Spanish language that highlights the beauty of South Texas.

What sets the movie apart is its focus on the emotional journey of the lead character. Hector's struggles are grounded in the harsh reality of his daily life. The audience can easily relate to his plight and root for him as he tries to find forgiveness and redemption. The movie also explores the themes of redemption and self-forgiveness, asking the audience to carefully consider what it means to be loyal to oneself as well as to family.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing the South Texas landscape uniquely. The movie features stunning shots of the desert and the border landscape, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The music is a blend of Tejano and Mexican folk music and is an integral part of the film's themes.

The performances in the movie are exceptional, particularly Patrick Mackie, who delivers a nuanced and restrained performance. Mackie perfectly embodies the character of Hector, capturing his inner turmoil and the struggles of growing up amid danger and violence. The supporting actors are also impressive—Mayra Leal adds depth to the character of Maria, Hector's girlfriend, and Roland Uribe portrays Jaime with a mix of vulnerability and regret.

Overall, Tejano is an impressive debut from director David Blue Garcia, and the movie stands out as a unique and authentic portrayal of South Texas border town life. The themes of forgiveness and redemption are universal, and the film beautifully explores them in the context of the Mexican-American experience. Tejano is a promising movie that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.

Tejano is a 2018 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.