Wow, what a great film. Sin Nombre is a beautiful simple story of two people who need to get a way from their lives. Willy needs to escape his gang, although he is fairly certain he will not succeed, and Sayra needs to get to New Jersey to start a new life in America.

In a fantastic debut, Cary Fukunaga gives us a glimpse into the world of illegal immigrants and the lengths to which they will go to get a better life. The film is real and gritty. Fukunaga doesn't shy away from showing desperation, but the film is ultimately hopeful without being sentimental in the slightest. As with the rest of the film, the characters are compelling and honest and very real. Sin Nombre is definitely one of the best films of 2009.