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6.9
Genres are Dr Produced in 2011, USA
Available Quality: Hi Def, Hi Def
Rating: 6.9 out of 10 (2175 votes)
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1920x1080 | 6692 MiB |
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1280x720 | 4456 MiB |
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| Actors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nancy Lenehan | Tim Griffin | Gabriel Chavarria | Robert Peters |
| Demian Bichir | Joaquín Cosio | Valorie Hubbard | |
| Directors | |||
| Chris Weitz | |||
Storyline
Plot Summary:
A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give his son the opportunities he never had.
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vinsond21
24 May 2012
In pursuit of a better life
Halfway through this movie about a father and son struggling to make itin life, one is reminded of Bicycle Thief and The Pursuit of Happiness.The heart-wrenching tale about illegal immigrants also brought backmemories of El Norte and parts of Babel. Oscar-nominated Demian Bichiris superb as the father who is prepared to do anything for his preciousson, played by an equally impressive Jose Julian. The latter'scharacter is at times rebellious and at times peevish, but he stillcomes through for his father when the situation calls for it. This is awonderful two-character study that is as compelling as the two similarfilms mentioned earlier with it.
Hellboyn
24 May 2012
a good movie with great depth......
If you like those life like films this is a definite watch...it showsinto depth of relationship between a father and son.It shows that ahuman beings life to extent depend on his place of birth and his livingenvironment on which he has no choice....Every father wants his childto have a better life.This film portrays the story of an illegalimmigrant who lives for his son.Even though the father is trying toearn money through his hard work,the son feels neglected and fails torecognize the care and love the father has for him till the end.Thisfilm highlights that even people like these are HUMAN BEINGS and wantto have a normal life but fate has a lot in play for suchunderprivileged...Demián Bichir at his best especially at a part whenhe talks to his son about his life...All credit goes to Chris Weitz whois trying to show us the greater picture here,we are HUMANS first andthen comes the rest....
aharmas
24 May 2012
An Important Drama
Carlos is a good man. He is raising his 14 year-old son, doing the besthe can, trying to make sure he never gets seduced by a gang ofsociety's worst. Things couldn't be stacked worse against him becausehe lacks legal documentation to work in the United States, and his sonholds a grudge against him for not being around to nurture him, andthere is a back story about his ex-wife.The plot is simple, as it gives you a deciding week in the life ofCarlos, who reaches a fork in his life and must make a choice in orderto improve his family's life. Most likely because of his trustingnature, things get even worse, as father and son soon become involvedin a quest to recover some lost property.Some people have argued that Weitz hasn't been able to connect with hismaterial, but I completely disagree as Weitz and his team have doneinsightful and accurate research about Carlos' world. He has carefullyput together a film that tries to explain some subtleties about thevarious differences among the various Latinos subgroups. The viewer hasan opportunity to explore the lives of legal and undocumentedimmigrants from various countries. It explores how choices are made andsome people stick to their roots and continue their traditions here,but those might not all be common for all the groups involved. Thereare telling lines in the conversations between father and son, and onetries to sever the ties to the past, while the other reminisces.There are amazing scenes in this film. Some deal with the relationshipsbetween Anglos and the undocumented workers. Others have the variousLatino groups interact with each other, and at times they feeluncomfortable because they are raw and honest. Most importantly, thework of Demian Bichir's truly remarkable performance, a bilingual turnfrom an actor not afraid to reach deep inside his own experiences toshow a range of emotions many award winning performers can only dreamof. The scene at the detention center will move every member in theaudience, as he must bare his soul in a matter of minutes for anopportunity to connect with his own child.Bichir, hopefully will be rewarded later in the year for a job fewcould have pulled off. The film is not apparently very complex. Manymight dismiss it as a cheap soap opera attempt to pull emotionalstrings. Every feeling we experience is the result of daringexplorations into groups that might not even be minority groups in theUnited States. They are part of the fabric that makes up contemporaryAmerica, and many might choose to ignore them. That would frankly be amistake because they have their own interconnected dramas, andeventually those will reach and affect everyone else. "A Better Life"is part of a universal dream / nightmare, something that touches theuniversal quest for acceptance in all of us.***** (five stars)
FilmRap
23 May 2012
Powerful and authentic glimpse into the human story of the intractable immigration issue
- Kirk Honeycutt, film critic for the Hollywood Reporter and host ofthe UCLA film course where we previewed this movie immediately comparedit to Vittorio De Sicas's 1948 classic film The Bicycle Thief . In it aman and his son search for a stolen bicycle vital for his job. Fastforward to the present time as Carlos, an undocumented immigrant,(played by Mexican super star Demian Bichir) and his teenage son(played by Jose Lulian, an American making his acting debut ) are on asimilar quest. They are searching for Carlos' stolen truck which hebought with borrowed funds to give him his one chance to make a decentliving as a gardener and pay off his debts. Where the original Italianmovie painted a picture of the poverty in post war Italy, this filmprovides an insight into life in East Los Angeles with its poverty,gangs, immigrants desperate for work and living with constant fear ofbeing deported. It captures the poignancy and the dilemmas of hardworking immigrant families in cities like Los Angeles who are trying tosurvive and provide a better life for their children while one stepaway from being arrested and sent home. The screenplay by Eric Eason isshort on words but crystal clear in the emotional impact which itprovides not only with the stark reality of the situation that thefather and son are faced with but in the emotional struggle that eachof them must feel. Bichir's performance could not be better as his facetells his story as does his words in both English and Spanish (withappropriate subtitles). Veteran director Chris Weitz teamed with awardwinning Spanish cinema photographer Javier Aguirresarobe to puttogether a realistic vision of the characters and environment which wasfilmed in 69 different locations in Los Angeles. Despite theeffectiveness of the film, there are no clear villains and no new callsfor action. While there may be a morsel of hope there is also thedepressing possibility of a never ending line of people with crusheddreams. The film, itself, is an amazingly powerful and authenticglimpse into the human story that is part of the "intractableimmigration issue." The emotional pull precludes overintellectualizing. (2011)
tianafeghali
23 May 2012
Weitz has captured and affected the lives of many!
This movie was entertaining and a real eye opener! Everyone has a storyand people need to get over stereotypes and common perceptions. ABetter Life really reminded me of the neo realist film from Vittorio DeSica, Bicycle Thieves, but more in the present day. Many parts of thestory really allowed me to understand that most parents just want thebest for their family no matter what and although sometimes kids don'tseem to see that it's true. It means so much more that Chris Weitz ismore focused on the character plot lines rather than politicalpropaganda. I like how Chris allows all the characters to be equal evenif they are in a gang, gardeners, or even Santiago who steals thetruck. He allowed the viewers to go inside the home of gang members andsee them in their natural habitat; they are not all scary. When Luisand Carlos find Santiago and see that he sent the money for the truckaway they are angry but you can tell that Carlos understands. Heunderstands because he would do the same thing for his child andfamily. Luis is Americanized and is a different generation than hisfather but their forming bond is a central component in this story thatis really heart warming. The two scenes that really made my heart dropwas when Luis was in his abandoned home and looked out to the birdfeeder who was pecking at no food, just like Luis in his home, which isnow empty. The second was the conversation between Luis and Carlos inthe jail. It is just so powerful and real, I felt compassion andhardship while watching it. I really do hope that Carlos made it backto Luis I wish the story wouldn't end with that big cliffhanger! It'smaking me go nutts!! Chris Weitz has really captured an important issuewith country this day and I really am glad I got to see the other sidefor once! Definitely would recommend this is a great film.
meeza
22 May 2012
This review could have been a better write, but that is how I live my better life!
"A Better Life" could have been a little better movie, but you couldnot have asked for a better performance from its lead actor DemianBechir. The film stars Bechir as Carlos Galindo, an L.A. gardener whohas resided in the U.S. as an illegal immigrant for almost two decades.His son Luis was born in the United States and Carlos raised him formost of his life as a single parent. Carlos wants a (see movie title)for Luis; so after some procrastination, he decides to buy his formerboss' gardening truck in order to start his own gardening business. Atthe same time, Luis gets tempted to live "a thugger life" due to beingwith the wrong crowd, and of course it does not help that he lives ingang- ridden California. Director Chris Weitz makes a wise move byprioritizing the film not so much as an immigration "pursuit ofresidency" tale, but more as an authentic look at the relationshipbetween a father and a son in today's cultural diverse society. EricEason's moving screenplay deserved a better life during movie awardseason, as it was shut out for any screenplay recognition. Bechir'smagnificent performance is for sure deserving of its Best Actor Oscarnomination. Where I felt that "A Better Life" could have bettereditself was in the film's supporting cast. In other words, a betterthespian crew would have helped. Julio Julian who plays Luis, was no"J.J. Kid Dynamite" with his sappy performance. But don't getdiscouraged, come on man, cause Demian is the maaan that makes "ABetter Life" worth for you to check out sometime during this lifetime.OK, this review is over, I have to return to my "A Get a Life"existence. **** Good
Oliver Ledger
21 May 2012
Effortlessly Beautiful!
Quite simply put this is an absolutely amazing film. Demian Bichir is top class and fully deserves his Oscar nomination andprobably deserves it more than most of the other nominees's. People aresaying its a shock nomination however if you have seen the film youwill understand completely why he got it. Truly beautiful and am not afraid to say it made me cry. i know this isa massive topic in the United States however absolutely anybody can andwill connect with this film. its not just a tail about illegalimmigrants its an incredibly powerful father and son tale.I will be tuning in to the academy awards this Sunday hoping he can winit!If anything just give the film a watch you wont be disappointed!
lourensini
21 May 2012
I didnt wanted it to end...
What would we do for a better life? How much would we suffer to give itto people we love? How many times would we get up after the fall? Forpeople like me, who never had to crack my ass off working to pay bills,never needed to take care of anyone, I can only see myself in JoséJulián character, Luis. Because my mother and father has to, and stillhave to hold things on to provide to me what tey didn't have when theywere young. And for this, I see them on Demián Bichir character, CarlosGalino, which he does AMAZING, by the way.Better life get an unknown actor and put him to perform on of the bestcharacters i've ever seen. Carlos Galindo ain't just a character, he isreal, he does exist, by different names from different countries andnations.Not every actor in this movie is as great as Demián Bichir, but theystill leave they're marks, like Gabriel Chavarria as Ramón.The writing is amazing, the Mexican gangsta accents were prettyinteresting for me to hear, since the difficulty any person who speaksEnglish would have to understand them. But coming back to the written,it is clear and clearly represents an simple 4 old boy and his hardworker father. All other characters also were well represented and theypersonality exposed.What was the BEST about this movie was it's soundtrack. It's juststunning! and you don't have to pay much attention to note it. To bad Icouldn't find anywhere to download it. Because it worth it to hearagain, as the original as the other tracks. It's brilliantly placedwhen needed. Can't, and don need to talk much about, because this movieis a Must See, so you'll face this amazing soundtrack just like I did.The photography is clear and also creates a drama atmosphere. Dramawhich could not always get me by surprise, thanks to those closes onobjects, denouncing whats gonna happen in the following moments. Buteven thou it could take me by surprise giving to those characters oneproblem after another to take care.Another issue was when it finished. I just though "already?". This kindof movie really deserves a little bit more of time to develop.ACtually, it had has it's develop. But I wanted to see more.Since not everyone has much idea about how much crapp an illegalimmigrant has to go through. And the humanity, humility and strenghCarlos Galino shows it's just jealously. We should watch at this movieas an anthropology class, not just a drama movie, there's thousands ofdramas about love we can see if the idea is just felling sick a littlebit.A Better Life it a must see. Seet it.
ketgup83
21 May 2012
nice drama with some loose ends but goes well with superb performance by Damein Bichir
A better life was nice laid back film which was entertaining in partsbut was overshadowed by stupendous performance by Demian BichirA Better Life tells a story about a struggling father who is cravingfor a better school for his son's education , better place to stay anddo something on his own.When I heard about Demian Bichir getting Oscar nod for his acting , Iwas thrilled to watch this flick. The movie has a simple story about atorn relationship between father and son and how father wants to makethings better and spend some quality time with son. It is thesimplicity that draws attention and makes it worth watching at leastonce. The movie starts off well with character building and some heartwarming scenes but looses the steam afterwards. The 2nd half is littlebit of engaging but the climax is saved by superb performance by Demianwhere he promises his boy to come back. Direction is good butscreenplay could have been more crispy. Cinematography is decent alongwith nice background score. Damein Bichir is the remarkable who carriesthe film on his shoulder. He fits into the character that you feelsympathy for him Overall , very nice drama with some loose ends but goes well withsuperb performance by Damein Bichir.
Clayton Davis
20 May 2012
Demian Bichir is OUTSTANDING ()
Chris Weitz had a breakthrough in a big way in 2002â²s indie dramedyAbout a Boy, which he received an Academy Award nomination for AdaptedScreenplay. Since then, he's struggled in directorial choices such asThe Golden Compass (2007) and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) andhasn't capitalized on the promise once thought of him. What Weitz hasdelivered in his newest film, A Better Life, assisted by a passionateperformance by Demián Bichir is one of the most compelling andemotional films of the year. The film tells the story of Carlos(Bichir), an illegal Mexican immigrant just trying to make ends meetfor him and his fourteen year old son Luis (José Julián). While Carlosstruggles and shows constant compassion for the human race, Luis hasbeen struggling with school and the temptation of joining a local LosAngeles gang. The constant fear of deportation is on Carlos' mind ashis limitations in job choices and transportation starts weighing inheavily. The film is an exposé of the United States' immigrationproblems that has resonated for decades, although, Weitz brings a freshand fervent touch on the sensitive subject matter. The film's beautifulsimplicity is carried massively on the work of Demián Bichir, instantlyand surely one of the best performances seen in 2011. Bichir doesn'tflinch, hiccup, or lose any sight of Carlos. He breathes new life intowhat could easily be stereotypical and bland characterization yet,attacks the role with heart and soul like some of the great actors offilm history. In a flawless realization of polished and proficientdepiction, Bichir maneuvers through the story slick, sensitive, andenduring and at your most vulnerable point, pounces on yourheartstrings. It's the best dedication to the acting form seen in 2011thus far. Oscar, please notice. José Julián delivers one of theimpressive breakthrough performances by a child actor this year yet.Luis' balance to Carlos' story succeeds solely on Julián's shoulders.As a confused adolescent, fighting to be accepted by his peers alongwith the demons of his past, Julián inhabits the pain of a childbrilliantly. It gives hope to the future of acting when a performancelike Julián's is witnessed at such a young age. While the dialogueisn't the compelling take of exchanging, especially between the othersupporting players, writers Eric Eason and Roger L. Simon attempt asubject matter that raises plenty of debate and question and leaves itto the viewer's interpretation. The film is directed extremely well andpaced superbly. Alexandre Desplat's score is stamped remarkably as anadded topping on the sweet tale. The film is a must- see for any loverof the movies. The film captures raw emotion and places it in a bottledistributing ounce by ounce until your heart is filled to the brim.It's a character study of epic proportions that inhabits a deeplymoving story that may seem familiar but not at all accustomed.Read more reviews at The Awards Circuit @ awardscircuit(dot)com
Ky Nguyen
19 May 2012
A true story that depicts the lives of so many Hispanic immigrants in America today
"A better life" depicts the life of many Hispanic immigrants who cameto America hoping for opportunities to seek the American dream. Themovie is about a father migrating to the United States seeking forbetter life for his family only to realized that it was tougher than hethought. Working as a gardener, he struggles to make enough to supportthe family. Aside from being financially unstable, he also struggles tospend time with his son. Easily influenced by gangs, drugs, andviolence, he tries his best to prevent his son from going into thatpath. A well directed movie with superb acting, this movie deserves tobe in the top 5 movies of the year. It is a heartfelt movie that willmake the audience fall in love with the characters and the storyline.Overall 11/10 stars
collipal-1
19 May 2012
Not very satisfactory, but not bad either
With his brother Paul, Chris Weitz co-directed Down to Earth and Abouta Boy, which despite not being highly memorable movies, were enoughentertaining in order to have a good time. However, he later made thetedious The Golden Compass and the mediocre The Twilight Saga: NewMoon. Now, Weitz decided to make his incursion into the "serious"cinema with the film A Better Life, which deals with undoubtedly validsubjects regarding the problems from the Mexican immigrants in theUnited States...however, the movie did not leave me very satisfied dueto its limited narrative ambition.As I previously mentioned, I appreciate the valid message from A BetterLife, as well as its intention of showing the working and honest sidefrom the immigrants, defying the stereotypes of gangsters or drugdealers. However, I think that screenwriter Eric Eason diluted thecomplexity from the story until reaching the level of a Mexicansoap-opera. I think that this film should have been more honest andrealistic, and with a less simplified narrative. Besides, Easonincluded some questionable elements in order to facilitate the drama,from improbable coincidences to absurd omissions of the common sense.Nevertheless, I found A Better Life moderately interesting, mainlybecause of the excellent performances from the two leading actors.Demián Bichir is absolutely credible and efficient, because he canperfectly express the multiple contradictions his character has to facewithout the need of words. And I think that José Julián also made aperfect work in his role.In conclusion, I can give A Better Life a slight recommendation,despite the multiple cons from its screenplay which make the film notvery satisfactory. Going back to the initial subject from this review,I think that Weitz made a superior work in A Better Life than the onehe made in his two previous films; nevertheless, I wish he had picked abetter screenplay to work with.
Hellmant
19 May 2012
Bichirs performance is the heart of the film and its backbone!
'A BETTER LIFE': Four Stars (Out of Five) Chris Weitz directed this inspiring drama about an illegal immigrantfrom Mexico trying to make 'a better life' for his teenage son. Weitzis the director (and co-director, with brother Paul at times) of suchpopular films as 'AMERICAN PIE', 'ABOUT A BOY', 'THE GOLDEN COMPASS'and 'THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON'. The screenplay was written by EricEason and based on a story originally titled 'The Gardener' by Roger L.Simon. Star Demian Bichir was nominated for an Oscar for his work andis the highlight of this powerfully moving father-son tale.Bichir plays Carlos Galindo, a gardener who's employer, Blasco (JoaquinCosio), constantly tries to convince him to buy his truck and business.When Carlos's sister Anita (Dolores Heredia) loans him the $12,000 heneeds to buy the truck, and gardening tools, Carlos finally sees a wayto provide a better future for his son Luis (Jose Julian), who has beenstruggling in school and began to get involved in crime. When Carlos'struck is stolen, right off the bat, he and his son go on an adventureto get it back.The movie is heartbreaking and hard to watch at times but it's alsovery moving and inspiring at other times. Thanks in large part to awell written and emotional script as well as topnotch directing from aWeitz brother once again. Bichir's performance is the heart of the filmthough and it's backbone. His award acclaim is very much deserved.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rje99p8QSz8
gradyharp
18 May 2012
Examining Lives - A Father and Son Love Story
A BETTER LIFE is one of the more understated films to come out ofHollywood, a film that has the courage to tell a story that is sopolitically charged - the immigration debate - that releasing it now ison the one hand asking for negative responses and on the other handoffers to the public the real truths behind our quandary aboutimmigration. This country consists of immigrants - all of us - nomatter how far back we have to trace our ancestry: the only people whodid not begin their family history as immigrants from every country inthe world and the Native Americans, and look how we are treating them!If this film does nothing else than plead the case of humanunderstanding it will have accomplished more than legions of films thattouch this subject too lightly.Carlos Galindo (Demián Bichir, in an extraordinarily fine performance)crossed the border into the US with his new wife, looking for a way toimprove his life. Upon arriving his wife gave birth to their son Luis(José Julián) and then promptly left Carlos in search of a better life,leaving Carlos to raise Luis alone. Carlos is an honest, caring man whomust live in the shadow of being illegal: he cannot have a driver'slicense or papers that allow him the benefits of other people. Carloshas a steady job as a gardener with Blasco (JoaquÃn Cosio) who owns atruck and the two men work hard as gardeners. When the film opens Carlos is saving is money from working with Blasco,living in a tiny house in the smarmy side of Los Angeles, trying toprovide better schooling for his 15 year old Luis. Luis is of the agewhen he is easily influenced by his peers: his best friend is Ramon(Gabriel Chavarria) who is waiting to be of age to join the gang andforget about school in lieu of making money and living high. Luis istempted to follow him, but he still attends school despite frequentabsences and disinterest in education. Carlos is faced with a dilemma:Blasco wants to leave the business of gardening and suggests Carlos buyhis truck and tools and start his own business. While Carlos sees thefuture in owning his own business (he can provide hope for a betterlife for Luis) he doesn't have enough money saved to buy the truck. Hissister, indebted to Carlos for his protection and help, brings him hersavings and Carlos buys the truck. Luis is surprised and then proud ofhis father's courage, but the happiness is short lived as one of theday laborers Carlos befriended - Santiago (Carlos Linares) - steals thetruck, sells it on the black market and sends the money to his familyin Mexico. It is this moment that provides an important turn for therelationship between Carlos and Luis. Luis bonds with his father andtogether they manage to locate the truck and take it back, only to becaught by the police for driving without a windshield. Carlos isjailed, Luis is devastated, but as Carlos is deported Luis pleads withhim to 'come back home'. The film's ending tests the credibility a bitbut it is heartwarming nevertheless.The story as written by Eric Eason and Roger L. Simon is genuinely realand never veers toward the maudlin. They have created characters whonot only demonstrate the importance of father son understanding andrelationships, but they have approached the entire gamut of immigrantchallenges and the manner in which this country deals with currentimmigrants in an honest manner. Without waving banners for or againstimmigration problems director Chris Weitz offers us the opportunity tosee life from a different angle. One of the reasons this movie is sopowerful in its impact and message is due to the brilliant performanceby Demián Bichir, hopefully a candidate for an Oscar, and hisperformance is beautifully balanced by that of José Julián as his son.The film is scored by Alexandre Desplat and the music greatly enhancesthe rhythms of the story. There is such worth in this film that itwould be wise for everyone in this country to view it - and rememberour individual heritages and histories. Grady Harp
nama chakravorty
17 May 2012
Watch it for Demin Bichirs Masterful Performance!
2 Days back, Demián Bichir earned himself an Oscar-Nomination for BestActor in a Leading Role for 'A Better Life'. And that was it, I saw 'ABetter Life' exactly 24-hours later since his nomination was announced.Demián Bichir delivers a Masterful Performance. A performance, that isso well-done, it come across as an astonishing embodiment. He elevatesthis film! 'A Better Life' Synopsis: A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep hisson away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give his sonthe opportunities he never had.'A Better Life', even as a film, is worth-seeing, thanks to the themoving screenplay, written by Eric Eason. The relationship between theFather & his Son, is wonderfully handled & written. Chris Weitz Directsthis Human-Drama, with bravery. Cinematography is eye-filling. Editing& Art Design, are decent.On the whole, 'A Better Life' is well-made, but it's Demián Bichir'sembodiment, that makes this film unmissable.
JDSize
17 May 2012
Hope When All Is Lost
Film Critic from BW Times. I was able to catch an advance screening ofthis film the other night and what a pleasure it was to experience.From the trailer, I pretty much felt like it was another one of thosepessimistic man vs. the world stories, but stood corrected afterrealizing the depth and strength of such a wondrous story. Emphasizingone of the most pressing issues we have been facing, immigration, ABetter Life not only captures the difficulty of the life of animmigrant but also the substantial bond between father and son.Powerful performances by both the main characters played by DemianBichir and Jose Julian had so much chemistry that majestically captureda sincere sense of realism. The climactic scene between them near theend should be enough to get them Academy nominations. Another crucialfigure that Director Christ Weitz executed nicely was the appearance ofEast and Lower areas of LA. I invited a friend who grew up in such areaand he claimed that it was a true depiction; so much so that it broughtback memories of his childhood! A Better Life is a complete recipe ofamazing film-making, great storyline, and outstanding performances. Itis not trying to be predictable or unpredictable, it knocks theaudiences into life's difficulties by evoking aspects within oursociety. A must see cinematic adventure that will make you feel human.
dwejbe
16 May 2012
Great Film
the film "A Better Life" is one of the best films I seen this year andone of the favorites of all time. The film "A Better Life" is such atouching film and it will touch you if you have had a hard time justmake it day to day in life. This film is about people who work hardeveryday and at the end of the day they can never get ahead.This filmwill teach others who take their life's for granted, not to take theirlife's for grant because there are people in this world that want thesimple things in life like parents that just want to spend time withtheir kids and they cannot because they have to work or do otherthing.The film "A Better Life is about the people and for the people. Ihighly recommend this movie to others.
kkachigan
16 May 2012
Great social commentary
I really enjoyed this film, the characters were real, believable.Everything in this film was right on target, the language, the smallapartment they lived in. Thank goodness someone did a little research.There is no romantic, pop culture idea of Latino lifestyle. I got arealistic understanding of what our main character typical day is like.Made me really appreciate what a precious thing it is to have freetime. This film gives a face and name to the issue of immigration. Isee a lot of films of this type/genre and I have to say this isextremely well done. The current media tends to vilify undocumentedpersons. Hopefully this will give people a better understanding of mostpeoples situation. Immigration is a human issue not a political one.
bdgill12
16 May 2012
Outstanding Performance Gives Weight to an Alright Film
Carlos Galindo (Demian Bichir) wants nothing more than to provide hisson, Luis (Jose Julian), with the life he himself never had. An illegalalien who has lived in the US for many years, Carlos works as agardener and keeps his head down, always mindful of what deportationwould mean for his son. Luis, meanwhile, is a typically rebelliousteenager who doesn't understand or appreciate his father's sacrificesand who is on the brink of joining the local gang. When Carlos' bossplanning to leave the gardening business and head home, he offers tosell his truck and equipment to his loyal employee. Desperate to makesomething happen for himself, Carlos accepts the offer and goes intobusiness for himself, a risk he normally would not take. But when thetruck is stolen by a day laborer, Carlos and Luis go on a journey torecover their property and in the process, rebuild the relationshipthat they've both sorely missed.I think it was a surprise to many to find Demian Bichir's name amongthose nominated for Best Actor at this year's Academy Awards. On a listthat includes Gary Oldman, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and eventualwinner Jean Dujardin, Bichir seemed a bit out of place, especiallyconsidering some of the great work done by accomplished actors who werenot recognized by the academy (Ryan Gosling, Michael Shannon, JosephGordon-Levitt, etc.). This is one of those situations, however, thatdemands a viewing before judgment because, having now seen A BetterLife, I can certainly understand the Academy's decision. Simply put,this is a heartfelt, power house performance by an actor that perfectlyembodies his role. Carlos encapsulates elements of heartbreak and hope,misfortune and motivation and in doing so creates a deeply layered andpersonal portrayal. Bichir plays Carlos with subtlety, acting as muchwith his eyes as with his words, giving notice of the internal conflictwaging within the man throughout his various struggles. It is truly anoutstanding performance and one that carries significant weight.The rest of A Better Life, though, doesn't quite measure up to thebrilliance of the lead performer. Many of the early scenes come off asmanufactured rather than organic, a polar opposite to the path thatBichir takes with his character. It is too earnest at times and thatcould cause cynical jerks like me to bail on the film before it everreally gets going. To be fair, A Better Life gets better as it goes andeventually leaves the safety of borderline-manipulative Oscar baitbehind in favor of a more genuine tone but in some ways that makes thefirst act even more frustrating. There are also a handful of scenesthat could have been edited out or restructured more purposefully andmany of Bichir's colleagues fail to deliver at a compatible level withthe film's star. Julian shows flashes of excellence but overall I foundhis performance to be spotty and less-than believable. I can't saywhether the blame for this rests on Julian or the film's director,Chris Weitz, but the dynamic between father and son didn't alwaysdeliver. It would have been interesting to see Bichir go toe-to-toewith a more challenging co-star, similar to the interactions betweenGeorge Clooney and Shailene Woodley in The Descendants. What saves A Better Life from becoming yet another independent filmthat doesn't live up to the strength of its leading performer is theconclusion. Weitz saves his best work for last, creating a stirring,emotional scene in the very end in which Bichir delivers beautifullyand which exhibits the very best of the relationship between Carlos andLuis. It is a hopeful, impactful finale that covers over the film'sprevious missteps and allowed me to leave with a higher opinion of thefilm than I might have had otherwise. The result is a good moviehighlighted my one fantastic performance and brought home by onestirring scene.Please see my reviews at thesoapboxoffice.blogspot.com
dreamalladream
15 May 2012
We appreciate through the eyes of a gardener.
I was lucky enough to see this film as a campus screening with Q&A fromthe director. One of the scenes mentioned was when Carlos climbs thepalm tree and pauses to look out over the bay. The director Chris Weitzreferred to this shot as beautiful eye candy. I couldn't put my fingeron it at that moment but that shot seemed so much more to me. Afterthinking about it for a while I decided that one shot pretty muchsummed up Carlo's feelings and how he views America. You see, beingborn in this country we sometimes take it for granted. We are to busygoing about our lives to notice little things. In that one moment, weslow down and appreciate through the eyes of a simple gardener.
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