Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dynamic docu honors Mexican grandfather's legacy of love.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
What We Leave Behind
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND, Julían Moreno is an 89-year-old former U.S. seasonal agricultural laborer who lives in San Juan del Río, Mexico. Each month for 20 years, he travels by bus from his home to see his kids and grandchildren in El Paso, Texas. But then, Moreno begins to build a new house near him with the hope of possibly bringing the family closer together.
Is It Any Good?
Documentarian Iliana Sosa offers this immensely memorable movie as a loving tribute to her grandfather Julían Moreno. "Grandpa was a mystery to me as a kid," remembers Sosa in What We Leave Behind. "I didn't know how to talk to him." The widower, who once raised seven kids and wore a sombrero everywhere, except to sleep, now willingly shares his wisdom with his granddaughter. They speak about the role of family, hard work, and getting older, all engaging subjects sure to spark meaningful discussions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the perseverance of Julían Moreno in What We Leave Behind. How do the cast demonstrate communication, compassion, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What challenges may Moreno have encountered as a working single dad? In what ways could the experiences have impacted his beliefs about family?
Filmmaker Iliana Sosa and Moreno develop a strong bond through their talks later in life. What questions would you ask an older adult family member about their past to help build a better connection with them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 23, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : September 30, 2022
- Cast : Julían Moreno , Jorge Moreno , María Elia Sosa
- Director : Iliana Sosa
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 71 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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