The film opens with a melancholy and haunting song as a young student walks in what seems like a totally different country. As she walks, she reaches what looks like a school hall and the screams of young Latino students as they run past the girl break the somber peace set by the soundtrack. The camera pans to show what the students run from: police violently beating the students who can't run fast enough. This is not a different country, after all. The movie helpfully clarifies: this is "Lincoln High school. Los Angeles 1968." This is a movie about the Latino struggle.Walkout is a film from 2006 directed by Edward James Olmos. Olmos also directed American Me (1992), a story about a Mexican-American mafia kingpin in Southern California, so it's clear Olmos is interested in his Mexican descent and his birthplace, Los Angeles. With the producer, Moctesuma Esparza, who was one of the people who took part in the walkout of 1968, on which the film is based, Walkout promises to be an exploration of Mexican-American struggle in Los Angeles made by people who truly care. The walkout of 1968, for those who don't already know, was an organized student protest against the bad conditions in their school. High school students in Los Angeles left the school before attendance was taken. Since public schools are funded based on attendance numbers, this was a way to force the school board to listen to the students and some staff by pushing against them financially. The students met with physical violence by police, and some protesters were arrested.The documentary-like drama follows the previously mentioned history with main character Paula Crisostomo, played by Alex Vega. Paula inspires her poorly treated classmates to walkout with her to try and start a reform. Fighting against both her father, who believes it is better not to cause waves, the oppression of the police and school board and the indifferent media, who at first chooses not to cover the police attacks on the students, Paula takes on the heavy burden of leading the students and her community to fight for the change they deserve.Having seen this movie in high school, Paula was a true inspiration for me. Both strong and brave, she is human, she occasionally falters and questions her choices when things turn out badly. The film depicts her as one of the forces behind uniting the Latino community and inspiring them to use their voice. She is not only a great young female character but a great character in general. I am willing to bet that anyone who watches this movie will find him- or herself rooting for Paula.During her struggle, through her dad's reactions, it is clear that the Latino community before her was divided. Similar stories are told in the book Harvest of Empire by Juan Gonzalez, where Gonzalez recounts the mistreatment of Latin American immigrant children, who are stripped of their mother tongue and whose immigrant parents do not want to make waves. The story of Walkout, on the other hand is about making waves, the children of immigrants fighting for their heritage and language in ways those before them feared to do. The moment, which may at first strike the viewer as a little clichéd, when Paula's dad, Panfilo Crisostomo, played by Yancey Arias, finally joins his daughter's side and roots for her, goes deeper than just the older generation not understanding the new generation. It can be seen as symbolizing the intergenerational union of the Latino community and the change from the assimilationist tradition of throwing out one's culture to be allowed to be a true American to a proud community fighting for multiculturalism's place in America.I love the movie and would recommend it to anyone interested in movies about minority struggles or Latino history in America. It is a compelling retelling of an important turning point in Latino treatment in America. Having a movie willing to represent Latino voices, using the story of young students no less, is an inspiration to many people who still face problems of discrimination in America today. With people like Donald Trump treating Mexican Americans and other minorities with such disrespect, this movie is a good reminder that fighting for your rights as a community is the only way America listens to its people. It is not a perfect movie– the sort of romance Paula had with one of the characters wasn't great, for example. But overall, the movie was entertaining, dramatic, inspiring and also includes a good soundtrack. I would recommend this movie to just about anyone: you won't regret the decision to watch it.

I had watched this movie a while back when it came out and I cried. very good movie I recommend it this is something they left out the text books in school.In schools they usually talk about the segregation of blacks and whites and the way the school system was for black Americans. But in this case no one taught us about the ways latinos were treated in the school system. We would only hear the stories from our parents and grandparents about the struggle they also had. Thanks to the orginaztions we have now such as LULAC lets us now of the things that happened in the past so we can further fix the problems we have now and the future.

The fact that it is based on real story makes this movie much more interesting, the fact that a young woman is the main character makes this movie even better, great acting and directing, I was transported to 1968 even the cars and the buildings where carefully prepared to help the audience not to get distracted. This movie can make you realize how much of a racist you are, think about it, I have walked by Edward James Olmos at one TV station where I was an editor in Glendale CA, I regret not to have talked to him because I admire him more every time that I have the privilege to watch any of his work, Been in a family of actors, producers, cameraman, editors, etc. I rarely admire others. My respect and admiration to the entire crew in this movie. Abelardo Casillas (Abelardo Sanmiguel)

These kids not even old enough to VOTE: With Determination-Organization-UNITY were able to make some changes for themselves and future generations. We can learn from that, their parents learned from them. To many people feel what can I do..its best not to make waves...just shut up and do your job. Its really not when there is injustice, prejudice and racism involved.Movies like this: Empower people to Unite, Organize and have a Voice!!! Under any circumstances or oppressed situation. The timing of its release was right on target-with the Marches, boycotts and Demonstrations going on in this Country at the time in protest Racism!I recommend parents watch this Movie with their kids. Well made, good acting and a part of History.