Educational Media Reviews Online

Poor children being given a chance for a better life or rich foreigners buying babies? In this documentary, the issue of adoption of Guatemalan babies is examined. Narrated by the adoptive mother of two Guatemalan children who has lived in that country off and on for the past 20 years, the film presents this controversy examined from all angles.

Many people are interviewed: a social worker, an attorney, a mother giving up her baby, a sociologist, an adoption facilitator, parents adopting a baby, critics of adoption, a foster mother, and a doctor. Street scenes, office scenes, and visits to orphanages and foster homes show the reality of the situation.

Interviews with speakers of Spanish are subtitled, as are signs, headlines, and other items that need translation. This is all done seamlessly, and it does not interfere with the flow of the narration.

Different people express differing points of view, as those in favor of adoption stress the fact that these children will be loved and cared for in families, and those opposed blame a system of greed and corruption. All agree that some changes are needed. Whether it is to address the crushing poverty and improve the status of women or to stop all foreign adoptions depends on which group is talking.

The production is very professional-looking, with good sound and editing. All points of view and all sides of the issue are covered, but clearly the creators of this film are in favor of adoption and think it is for the best for all involved.

The ending is heart-warming, as the narrator speaks of her dream for the children of Guatemala. They are beautiful and the scenes in orphanages will tug at viewer's hearts.

This film would be ideal for a public library collection, especially appealing to those considering foreign adoption.