A Better Life
DIRECTOR: Chris Weitz
CAST: Demian Bichir, Jose Julian and Joaquin Cosio
CLASSIFICATION: PG 13
RUNNING TIME: 98 minutes
RATING: ***
Chris Weitz shows his ability to make the transition between all genres of films, from blockbuster features (Twilight: New Moon) to this art-house film.
A Better Life delves into the lives of a father and son. It’s the universal story about a father who wants to give his son a better life, one that he never had.
The story focuses on Mexican illegal immigrant father Carlos, played by Demian Bichir. He works long, hard hours as a gardener at the homes of the wealthy around Los Angeles.
He does this for his son, Luis, played by José Julián. Luis was born in the US and is in high school.
His mother left his father when he was younger, and it has been just the two of them ever since.
They live in a run-down, small house and get by on what Carlos makes as a gardener.
The story shifts when Carlos’s boss, Blasco (Joaquín Cosio), decides to go back to Mexico. He asks Carlos if he would like to buy his business. Carlos does this in an attempt to improve their lives.
But tragedy strikes and it is now that their real journey begins.
This movie depicts the challenges immigrants face in the US. The two actors work well together on screen, and their father-son relationship is believable.
All the heart-rending moments touch base and open the mind to many concerns and questions about the options illegal immi-grants have to improve their lives.
I trust this pivotal film will hit home to many.
If you liked … Grand Torino … you will like this.