I have just seen "La Fonda Azul" (The Blue Diner) on PBS. Since I live in Massachussetts, and this film was shot in Boston, I had heard about it obliquely in the "Arts" section of the newspaper.

I am glad I took the time to see it. What struck me about it is that it presents the life of Hispanic immigrants in a way I have not seen before, it is not cliched in either direction (one being the R rated action movie treatment of Latinos, the other being the syrupy blandness of sitcom "Latino" families.)

It has characters that, in my eyes, reflect real struggles of cultural identity, and of living in the present without forgetting the past.

What I also found interesting about it is that other "fish out of water" can identify with the characters, not just Hispanics. (Just ask anybody originally from the deep South now living in New England, for example...)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

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Eager to become a businesswoman, an immigrant from Puerto Rico tries to adjust to life in the United States.

Lisa Vidal, Miriam Colon, and J.R. Yenque in The Blue Diner (2001)

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Lisa Vidal and J.R. Yenque in The Blue Diner (2001)

Lisa Vidal and Miriam Colon in The Blue Diner (2001)

Still photographs of "The Blue Diner", Jose Yenque 

The Blue Diner

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