A Better Life-2011
Director Chris Weitz
Starring Demian Bichir
Scott’s Review #1,004
Reviewed March 26, 2020
Grade: B+
A Better Life (2011) is a heartwarming and timely project that focuses on and showcases Hispanic culture, both positively and negatively.
The film explores illegal immigration amid a powerful family drama.
Lead actor Demian Bichir deservedly earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his sensitive portrayal of a man who wants only the best for his son, even as life stacks the odds against him.
The film is an atypical Hollywood production, told simply and with heart.
Carlos Galindo (Bichir) is a struggling Los Angeles gardener who manicures the lawns of the rich and famous in sunny California with his partner and close friend Blasco.
Carlos lives a content life but is always on guard because he is an illegal immigrant and worries about his son Luis (Jose Julian) falling in with the wrong crowd.
When one day Carlos’s sister loans him $12,000 to purchase a truck he needs for his job, he hits his stride, only to have the truck stolen.
Desperate, Carlos and Luis are determined to get back the truck while avoiding trouble with the law.
The film’s title, while basic and not sexy, is powerful in its simplicity. Bold and thought-provoking, this is merely what Carlos wants for Luis and what every father wants for his son.
His trials and tribulations are a constant; he strives to teach Luis to stay on a positive path and avoid the mistakes Carlos made.
Regardless of the political discussion the film could have, what lies beneath is a heartwarming story of cherished love between a man and his son.
Cleverly, the film provides a hopeful final message for both major characters.
I adore the rich Mexican culture the film represents. A battle of traditional appreciation of one’s roots versus immersing oneself in American culture is examined.
Nearly the entire cast is of Hispanic descent, and with numerous scenes of ethnic flavor, from restaurants and cafes to nightclubs and street life, the film is authentic and fresh.
Thankfully, the filmmakers do not try to pull off the insulting ploy of casting white actors clad in Mexican garb or a big-name actor in the role of Carlos.
Many of the characters even seem like non-actors.
The Los Angeles setting is highly successful, especially since the low-budget independent film uses tons of exterior shots.
The camerawork isn’t exceptional but feels fresh, letting the warm climate marinate with viewers so they feel immersed in the Southern California neighborhoods.
The contrast between the East Los Angeles area where Carlos lives versus where he works is a harsh reality for most landscapers.
Bichir more than deserves the accolades heaped upon him for this mesmerizing and intelligent role. He quietly portrays an empathetic man who is an unsung hero and a representative of many fathers who never get their due respect, especially if they are undocumented immigrants.
When Luis denounces Mexican music, Carlos’s pain is evident as he endures what surely breaks his heart.
Bichir’s realism and commitment to the characters’ truth drive the film.
A Better Life (2011) is a story rich with poignancy and relevance, showcasing the plight of a good man. Now, almost ten years later, the film is arguably more important than ever since immigration has become a hot-ticket item in the turbulent political climate.
Do hardworking, undocumented people deserve a break from being in the United States? The answer seems obvious, and the film skews steadily to the left, but is there any other strong viewpoint?
Oscar Nominations: Best Actor-Demian Bichir
Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Male Lead-Demian Bichir
