A BETTER LIFE
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A BETTER LIFE
Cast: Demián Bichir, Jose Julian, Chelsea Rendon, and JoaquÃn CosÃo (II)
Directed by: Chris Weitz
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence, language and brief drug use
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 1hr 38min
Distributed by: Summit Entertainment, LLC
Reviewed By John Delia
Touching, heartfelt yet controversial A Better Life provides excellent performances in this intense film. The film kept me intrigued even knowing what I thought to be the inevitable. If you are into life drama’s this one should be on the top of your list.
The movie centers on Carlos (Demián Bichir) an illegal Mexican immigrant living in the United States trying to sustain himself and his son Luis (Jose Julian). He works whenever he can get someone to give him a job but has vision for the future. He buys a used truck and gardening equipment and starts taking care of wealthy homes. His son has been avoiding gang influence but it has become a struggle. When the two entities clash it puts Carlos and Luis on the run from police.
I like the film for not only the fine acting by Bichir (Che 1& 2 as Fidel Castro) but for the script. The touching relationship between Carlos and Luis, the hard work to keep food on the table and trying to avoid notice by police that could send him back to his country makes for great drama. I’m sure there are a lot of Carlos’s in the United States of all races. How hard it must be to have to take menial jobs to keep afloat trying to give your family a future. It may be a controversial topic, but it is well played out in A Better Life.
Earnest direction by Chris Weitz (About A Boy) makes the film gripping, realistic and compelling. I like the way he leads the audience into the heart of the problem, gang influence, that sets of the challenges that Carlos and Luis face. Weitz shows that it’s not only Carlo’s struggle but also his son’s fear for his life if he doesn’t accept the pressure put on him by the gang. Keeping the story flowing with a lot of ordeal that includes pressures from social influences and ethnic challenges, Weitz puts a lot on the table yet doesn’t leave any room for boredom.
The film is rated PG-13 for some violence, language and brief drug use. Mature teens and preteens should not have a lot of problem with the content.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â A well thought out drama. (C+)
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