Roma - A Movie Analysis

The Academy Award-winning film “Roma”, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, captures the lives of domestic workers in 1970s Mexico City. The story revolves primarily around Cleo, a maid in a family where the husband abandoned his wife for a mistress.

In my culture, younger children usually refer to their housekeepers as "kakak," which translates to "sister" in English. Having housekeeping services doesn’t necessarily imply that a person is wealthy. When the husband left, the wife was forced to change her occupation in order to earn more money. Despite her obvious financial difficulties, she did not fire any of her employees. In my own family in Indonesia, we have a housekeeper who came to clean and care for my youngest sister. My sisters and I are clearly capable of cleaning our mess and doing any household chores ourselves at one point in our lives. But my parents couldn't fire her because it would make it more difficult for her to find a new job, and because her existence has become a part of our family. This perspective, rooted in respect for others, especially those older than us, is prevalent in my culture and resonates with the portrayal of Cleo and her relationship with the family's children in "Roma." The kids adore Cleo, and her boss is concerned about her health, especially when she's pregnant. The beach scene was very emotional. They were embracing, saying they were there for Cleo and that they loved her.

In terms of working conditions, we have an extra room for housekeepers to rest or spend the night. Housekeepers in Roma, like in other cities, have their own rooms because they are likely separated from their families.

While "Roma" emphasizes the affection the children have for Cleo and the concern their mother, Sofia, shows for her well-being, it also sheds light on the challenges faced by domestic workers. Sofia's occasional rudeness towards Cleo, like shouting at her for not cleaning up after the dog, raises questions about how workers are treated and the boundaries between employer and employee. It prompts reflection on cultural differences and societal norms regarding respect and consideration for domestic workers.

Overall, “Roma” is a powerful film that touches on the complexities of human relationships and societal dynamics. It's so emotional because it depicts the small details that make life so beautiful, such as the droplets on the window pane, peddlers selling items on the stairs, the bond between the children and the housekeeper, and so much more. People don't usually pay attention to the little things in life, but cinematography has the ability to focus on the details, making the film worth watching. Roma is an award-winning film because of this.