try to conceive of a left behind style film happen to a specific race in a specific state be pretty out there . but director sergio arau do so admirably in a day without a mexican . part comedy and part mockumentary and the film liberal leaning be sure to turn some viewer off . take consistent jab at prejudice ( and hit their target more often than not ) and the film take on the premise that a strange and magical fog have surround california one fateful day and block all incoming and outgo traffic and internet access and and all form of communication . and this weird atmospheric disturbance have also take away all of the mexican . the disruption to the sunshine state be evident a fruit rot on tree and vegetable aisle in grocery store go empty and and car wash patron have to dry their own car . lilia rod ( riguez ) play by yareli arizmendi ( like water for chocolate ) be a television news reporter who doesnt disappear . the supernatural phenomenon seem to have pass her by even though she mexican . or be she . more unseen prejudice arise a we learn that most anglos label anyone with a coppery toned complexion a mexican . lilia learn her true genetic heritage along the way but feel and in her heart and that she mexican and promptly vanishes in front of a television audience . john getz ( blood simple ) play senator abercrombie who have to take on the position of california governor pro tem and a the current governor and lieutenant governor be mexican . throw into the spotlight and the new gov have to deal with all of the chaos cause by the disappearance as well a the disruption to his own household when their maid or nanny or cook vanishes . other character include two border patrol officer who be force to deal with their prejudice when they learn that they no longer have a viable job . this be one particularly hilarious portion of the film that will really tickle audience funny bone . a california try to deal with the loss of an entire race and the remain folk come up with some great reason for the mexican disappearance . some say that the sombrero be shape like a ufo for a reason { wink . } others believe it a form of the rapture and and the apocalypse be upon u . still others believe that it be because the other race do not appreciate the mexican and so they just up and leave . regardless of the reason ( true or not ) the effect be felt throughout the state . anglos and other nationality turn to loot and dive into black market fruit and vegies in order to save their restaurant . talk show swing from one extreme to the other and some say their glad that the mexican be go while others struggle to stay on the air with a skeleton crew ( many camera operator be mexican ) . the film fault be that this probably would not be for those who live outside california . a day without a mexican have a fairly specific target audience . but the great message and often funny and poignant at the same time and can not be deny represent we all need each other and regardless of race . special mention of the film musical soundtrack must be make and too . the mariachi version of california dreamin be outstanding and a be the theme song a day without a mexican .