Educational Media Reviews Online

The boxer Jesus “El Matador” Chavez came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 5 years old. As a teenager he took up boxing, and showed a great talent for it. At the same time he became involved in a gang, and eventually participated in an armed robbery for which he was imprisoned. After his release he took up boxing again, and eventually became a champion. Then the INS discovered that he was a convicted felon, and not a U.S. citizen, so by law they deported him to Mexico. This film explores his struggle to return to the United States, to be accepted in Mexico, and to pursue his boxing career.

Jesus (called Gabriel by his family and friends) grew up in Chicago, where he first developed his boxing talents. Gabriel was drawn to gang life by a belief that it would gain him respect, when in fact it only lead to his incarceration. Gabriel accepted his imprisonment, and vowed to make an honest life for himself as a boxer after his sentence was served. As a non-citizen with a criminal record however, he was deported immediately after his release. He later returned to the U.S. illegally, and he began boxing professionally. Due to his effort and dedication he eventually won the North American Super-featherweight Championship, and was poised to become World Champion. Then the INS intervened. They deported him, once again because of his conviction and citizenship status. He was banned from boxing in the U.S., and was left with no option but to pursue his career in Mexico. He struggled to be accepted there, because many Mexicans thought of him as a foreigner. In Mexico he had to prove himself as a boxer all over again. He had to fight opponents ranked far below him, and contend with a corrupt boxing system. In spite of this he gradually rose through the ranks, and eventually became a contender for the Mexican National Championship. In the mean time, his supporters were asking the Governor of Illinois to pardon him for his crimes, so he could be eligible to return to the U.S. and compete for the World Championship. At the end of the film Gabriel faces and attempts to meet these two challenges, the outcome of which the viewer will find both inspirational and heartbreaking.

This film exposes the rigid and unforgiving nature of U.S. immigration laws. Any non-citizen can be permanently deported if he or she has committed a felony, regardless of how much prison time has been served, or evidence of rehabilitation exhibited. Both legal and illegal residents are subject to this punishment, which can separate them and their families from each other, and from the only homes many have ever known.

Split Decision is both compelling and thought provoking. It’s editing, audio and video qualities are excellent. There is no narration. The bulk of the film is made up of interviews with Gabriel and others, all of which are either in English, or Spanish with English subtitles. Key points and events are displayed on the screen in text, and interspersed though out. Those studying Latino or Chicano Studies, Criminal Justice, Civil Rights, or the problems of immigrants will find this film the most informative. It is suitable for high school, undergraduate or graduate students.

Highly recommended