The film Bread and Roses sends a clear message that you must fight for what you want. In fact it is revealed to the audience that the title of the movie is a symbol for this sentiment. In the 1800s workers went on strike demanding better pay and working conditions. Their argument was that while their jobs provided enough for bread (basic survival) they had come to America for the roses too (an enjoyable life). Those workers in the 1800s had to go through sacrifices to get their roses, and this theme is repeated throughout the film.  Nothing comes easy, there is always a struggle for health, safety, and money. Maya, the main character, comes to America to find work but immediately runs into trouble when her sister cannot pay the traffickers enough money.  Maya is forced to find a way out herself. Maya eventually finds work as a janitor but the hardship doesn’t end. The audience also learns later that Maya’s sister was forced to become a prostitute in order to make enough money to send to her family when she was a teenager. Many other characters are shown suffering under the janitor company management, and the only solution seems to be to organize. The filmmakers want us to know that even in America harsh working conditions are prevalent, and that even if the workers try their best to work hard the management will still fire them when they become too old. Success comes from determination and we should learn from this film that resistance against a powerful elite comes at a cost.

The other main character of the film, Sam, arrives to help the janitors organize. His message is relevant today with the many social movements going on in our country: that for change to happen the people in charge need to feel uncomfortable. This is the purpose of protests and civil disobedience, to convince those with power that their lives will be easier if they just give up some of their wealth. The finale of the film shows that eventually dreams can come true, however not everyone will be able to reach the goal. Maya is deported as she is convicted of robbing a store in order to get enough money to help her friend go to college. Sacrifices must be made so that others will receive the roses they dream of.