Sonora: The Devil’s Highway (Sonora)

NETFLIX PRESENTS

The USA is gripped by a crisis caused by the Great Depression in 1929.

The US government orders mass deportations of Mexicans

and closes the border.

Nationalism spreads to Mexico,

and in Sonora, it leads to the expulsion of the Chinese

who had arrived during the Porfiriato.

SONORA-ARIZONA BORDER

No Mexican cars or Mexican citizens are allowed through.

This is crazy.

We've never seen anything like this.

-Aarón, good afternoon. -What's going on, Paco?

President Hoover has closed the border.

He's prohibited all foreign vehicles from using US roads.

May I take your documents? I have to register your vehicle.

-Thank you. -This can't be happening.

That's the best route to make money.

What are we going to do?

The next installment's due in a week.

To hell with the gringos.

We'll drive people across the desert.

Aarón, there are no roads on this side.

So, we can charge even more.

It's the law of supply and demand.

Are you insane?

I've done that trip twice in Rivera's Ford.

There was less pressure when you only rented the car.

If you rent, you're an employee,

but if you're the owner, you're a businessman.

No cars or Mexican citizens...

There you are. Welcome to Mexico. Go ahead.

You can't come through.

What we're doing is for the well-being of our families.

Think about the future of our children and our grandchildren.

Those Green Guards are awful. When can we live in peace?

They can go back to their country. Mexico for Mexicans.

As I said, a lot of people will want to flee from Sonora.

And most of them will be Chinese.

Hello, Daddy.

Anita, I think your mom needs help.

Mommy, can I help?

Yes, my love. Go gather those plates for me. Go ahead.

Due to health violations, this restaurant is closed.

-Everyone out! Come on! -Daddy, they're here!

-Drop the weapon. -It's not a weapon.

-Tie them up! -No, she's my daughter!

A flagrant violation of Law 31.

Bring her out, along with this yellow nobody.

You have no right!

The president, Governor Calles, and the true Mexican people

have given us this mission.

It's the law.

-Let's go! -Mommy!

Let go of my daughter!

-Where are you taking my husband? -Come see.

I have to go, Father.

But how will you get there, Rosario? Arizona is closed.

I heard there are cars that drive people across the desert.

It's too dangerous. That's the old missionary route.

There's a reason they call it the Devil's Highway.

I have no choice, Father.

I can't leave those children on their own.

Be careful, Rosario.

Throw the Chinese out!

These yellow dogs have been declared a threat to public health.

Ninety-five percent of them are carriers of syphilis...

Disgusting Chinese!

...tuberculosis, beriberi, leprosy.

It's a national necessity.

The duty of any Mexican

who yearns for the greatness of their race and country.

Daddy!

Hunger and shamelessness

have driven our women into the arms of Chinese men.

How are you, Marquitos?

Good afternoon, Sheriff. Gentlemen.

Have they closed the mines in Arizona too?

No, but they're throwing out all the Mexicans.

Damn it.

Sheriff, do you know if my uncle still lives around here?

Emeterio?

He's probably not even aware of it, but he is still here.

And still drunk.

Okay.

Well, instead of giving him a drink, why don't you help him?

Only the Papago spirits themselves can help him now, Marquitos.

Hello?

Sheriff?

Sheriff?

-What about Serafina? -I have her here.

Hermosillo. Leaving in 20 minutes.

-Leaving in 15 minutes for Cananea. -Hermosillo.

-Cananea. -Guaymas, this afternoon.

-To Hermosillo. -Cananea.

LUXURY TRIPS MEXICALI

I hope the birds don't shit on it.

-You love that car too much. -Ah, but it's only a Chrysler.

You, my love, are a Cadillac.

Poets compare their women to flowers.

Because they can't afford cars.

This is disgusting.

A businessman who thinks he'll get rich in the desert.

I don't know why you want to go to Mexicali.

Everybody's going to Cananea or Guaymas.

We'll get passengers, Alma. Just wait.

-Is this going to Mexicali? -That's what it says there.

-Good morning. -Good morning.

There's nobody here.

To Mexicali?

Look.

I think we have some customers. See? What did I tell you?

Those must be some desperate people.

Good morning.

-Mexicali? -Yes.

-Yes. -Me, too.

Let's go.

MY STRUGGLE ADOLF HITLER

The road ends in Sonoyta.

We'll stop there for gas and water. No more than 20 minutes.

There are bathrooms there as well.

Then we continue to Mexicali for another 200 kilometers.

Which route?

I can read the desert like a book. I've crossed it many times.

-What's the matter? -My stomach.

-Are you alright? -What happened?

It's because we ate in that terrible restaurant.

How was I supposed to know the Chinese place had been shut down?

They poisoned him?

-They poisoned him. -Sir, please.

I know what the Chinese are like.

Somebody help us, please. We need a doctor.

Help! We need a doctor!

-What's the matter, ma'am? -We need a doctor. My husband is sick.

-Calm down. -We need a doctor!

-What's wrong? -It feels like knives in my gut.

-We need to take him to Lao Chan. -Is he Chinese?

Yes, sir, but he's our only doctor.

I'm here.

-Stay calm. -What is it?

It's your appendix. It needs to be removed immediately.

-Now? -I can do it.

He'll have to stay here for a week to recover.

-Fuck. -You're going to be all right.

Chew on this.

But don't swallow it.

I bet that's opium.

I hope so. There's nothing better for pain.

They even brought their drugs here. One day they'll ruin the entire continent.

When are we leaving?

Your driver needs surgery, and it'll take a week for him to recover.

We paid a lot of money to get to Mexicali today.

I'm sorry, but you will have to wait.

I'll give you your money back.

-And leave us here? -No, we had an agreement.

We paid money, didn't we?

I have to get to my grandchildren. They're all alone.

My brother's waiting for me.

I have official business in Baja California.

-I need to leave right now. -All right then, can you drive?

No, a Norteño is a horseman. Those machines--

-You, can you drive? -Only gringos and the rich have cars.

-Then you'll have to wait. -She can drive.

No. I have to stay with my husband.

Are you a doctor? What can you do for him?

Besides, you'll need money to pay the Chinese guy,

who's bound to charge like a Jew.

If you get us there when you promised,

this is yours.

Alma!

-I don't know the way. -Alma, come here!

Not even with a map.

I know someone who knows the way.

But it'll cost you.

And who is this master of the desert, Marquitos?

Relax, uncle. It's me.

Marcos?

Some people need guiding across the desert.

It's too dangerous.

This is the hottest time of the year.

That's why they're paying so much.

Listen to me.

I can't do it.

I'm no good for that anymore.

No one remembers a time when you were any good, uncle.

Go ahead, get drunk.

Give up on everything and everyone.

We need the money.

You have to take them.

No.

My duty is to be with you.

Your duty is to take my place.

I'll be fine.

-Yes. -I'll be fine.

See that red mountain?

Yes.

Head straight towards it and then to its left, please.

Yes.

You have a beautiful voice.

It's my husband's favorite song.

When we're driving for hours,