Jorge Santillan

(2012-05-01 12:30:06)

Reaons to remain in the U.S.

"A Better Life", directed by Chris Weitz, sets to depicted the life ofa single, father and son, immigrant family living in Los Angeles. Weitz, in this movie depicts the daily struggles immigrant familiesface in their community and government. The movie also shows thehardships immigrant families must go through to attain a job and thelife their offspring live as a consequence of their legal status.This is a most see film, as it allows the audience to see vividly themotivation behind many immigrant families to remain in the U.S.This movie is likely to make you feel pity for those who are hardworking and unfortunate, as they are oppress from doing what theylove;working.

bhwpolo93

(2012-05-01 09:07:32)

film 7: Chris Kim Prof. Carrasco

This sentimental film about a underprivileged father trying his best tohave a "BETTER LIFE" for his son touched me. My family being veryclose, helped me relate when I felt the dad was trying to be a goodfather but also a loose one at that. It was refreshing to see Chris'sstyle of directing as one not related to Disney, where everything worksout in the end and the hero gets everything he wishes for. When thetruck was stolen and the father was able to keep cool and not beat onthe guy when he finds it, I didn't see it as unrealistic but somewhathard to believe because when one's life is taken away from them bysomeone it is a distinct nature of human beings to get angry. Thisfamily oriented film choked me up when the father finally goteverything he wanted but then got stopped by the police and got senthim back to Mexico. It just seemed like he couldn't catch a break andthat bothered me because throughout the movie the father kept his cooland had an honest job to support him and his son. And as the directorleft the film ending in a scene where the father looks towards home tohis son, it made me think could he make it back?

Lizandro Melean

(2012-04-30 23:53:05)

Neo-realism and Hollywood collide!

Chris Weitz did a screening of this film at SMC, where I study film,and the reactions of the audience were engaging. The room was filledwith a great aura and that was because the screening was filled withpeople with ethnicities from all over the world and that made theexperience a lot more rewarding.This guy is the same one that brought us American Pie and the secondinstallment of the Twilight series? Yes he is, but let me tell yousomething, if these paychecks will make him do more movies like thisone, then bring another 4 twilight adaptations right now! The movie is about "Los Mojados", these people who everyday crosses theborder from Mexico to the US to look for "A Better Life" like the titleimplies, trying not to forget their roots, their culture and at thesame time struggling to find money to pay the rent, to eat and tosurvive in the United States without a SSN and without ID. You willwonder why we need to prove we're not from Mars with a visa if Godalready gave us permission to be here on earth every single second ofthe movie, absurd and unfair things this world has.The acting by DemiГѓВЎn Bichir, who looks like a younger Vicente FernГѓВЎndezto me, is invisible. You sometimes think you're watching a documentaryif it wasn't for the glossy production value of the flick.This movie needs to be seen by a wider audience, you need to look forit. If you do not feel touch by it, you're surely made out of stone.The direction by Chris Weitz captures the essence of East LA in asecond. There's a scene in the movie where in a matter of 3 minutes youcan see how many cultures collide in this side of Los Angeles and howthis story can repeat itself in several cultures.This is also a story about true love between a father and a son, andhow you can forget about everything and try every little thing to giveyour child the things he deserves.One of the best little movies I have seen this year.PS: If you like this one, and you're not afraid of B&W cinematography(no, it is not in 3D either) run and rent De Sica's Umberto D., a greatmasterpiece of Italian neorealism.

jimmytimmy1

(2012-04-30 15:47:57)

Film 7 - User Comment for "A Better Life"

I very much liked "A Better Life". Myself being an immigrant who grewup in the United States and raised by a single immigrant mother borewitness of the difficulties that the characters of Carlos Galindo andhis son Luis Galindo had to bear as a part of their immigrantexperience while trying to create a better future for themselves. "ABetter Life" is a touching portrayal of a hard-working gardener fatherwho despite living in a poor neighborhood never deviates from the realreason he decided to come to the States – to live a better life thanwhat he felt would be awaiting himself and his son in Mexico. "A BetterLife" shows how when a parent raises their child with care and love,the child will usually not stray off into a life of crime and violencebut will act on his own better judgment in life and will return thatcare and love to his/her parents because that is also what the childhas been raised with – love and care. 'A Better Life" showed how far aparent will go to create the best possible situation for his/her child,even if it means sleeping on the couch to allow the child to be morecomfortable on the bed – as Carlos did for his son Luis.

Arly Marin

(2012-04-30 04:13:36)

A film that captures a man's motives behind choosing a tougher road

"A Better Life" is a scope into the life of an illegal Mexicanimmigrant and the motives behind his relentless passion to cross overand attempt to excel in the United States. The unusual twist, however,is this portion of the story is reserved for the ending as opposed tothe beginning. The body of the story centers around Carlos, who is already in theUnited States working as a gardener, and his son Luis, a high schoolstudent on the verge of surrendering to the gang lifestyle. AfterCarlos is betrayed by Santiago, who steals his working truck, thefather/son team commit to tracing down this man and reclaiming what isrightfully theirs ─ thus, the truck at this point becomes the symbol oftheir stepping stone onto a better life. After locating the truck and experiencing a brief victory, police stopCarlos and arrest him for not having a license. When Luis arrives atthe prison where his father is being held before being deported back toMexico, they experience the peak of their relationship after Carlosconfides in Luis that he gives him a reason to live. Luis is thenforcefully dragged away loudly demanding his father to promise he willcome back.The film resumes in the open dessert, where Carlos along with otherMexican immigrants led by a border "coyote" are about to embark on thelife-threatening journey, sparking in us personal reflection as to whyany person would submit themselves to such danger not just once, but inthis case, multiple times.The film successfully reorganizes the expected order of events toachieve a deeper perspective into the innumerable variations incircumstance for countless Mexican immigrants. It is a film of socialrelevance, that is enjoyable mostly by its refusal to antagonize any ofthe characters, and instead focuses on the flaws of a broken systemthat lead them to their decisions.

asweetmargarita

(2012-04-29 11:47:45)

Renewed Respect

For all the hope and hard work that goes into parenthood this moviewill give you renewed respect for your parent(s) and for parents. Thisis truly a GOOD story that makes one realize just what a "better" lifeis all about. Simply being able to be a good person, who makes anhonest living and works for what they have regardless of thecircumstances they live with. Another aspect of this movie that is timely is the attention that isgiven to illegal immigrants in the U.S. Just when you forget how goodit is to be here legally, this movie will remind you. There are issuesconfronted in this movie that challenge widely held views of people whoreally want to be here and will do anything to get here and make themost out of being here. I'm not saying what is right or wrong, I amsimply stating this movie, if you allow it, will give you anopportunity to gain respect and a level of understanding for the peoplewho come here illegally and make a life for themselves at any risk. The bond built between parent and child, the life lessons learned, thetenacity of the human spirit and the faith that a better life ispossible is what the characters leave us with. Go see this movie andtake a friend.

tianafeghali

(2012-04-28 23:23:38)

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.

chicagopoetry

(2012-04-28 02:12:09)

Proof that the movie industry is just stupid

DemiГѓВЎn Bichir is simply brilliant in this film as the father trying toraise a son in gangland California. Admittadly most critics haven'teven seen this film but DemiГѓВЎn Bichir deserves an Oscar nod for hisexcellent role in this heartwarming film. I don't care how overlookedthis film was by the masses, it is an excellent film, an award winningfilm, the stuff that will survive the centuries. The fact that thecritics ignored it is only proof of how lame the critics are, not atall a statement about the quality of this movie. Best Actor Nod, allthe way.I can not say it enough, Oscar Material

rainbow23

(2012-04-27 14:38:17)

Loved it!

I am not a critic just a lover of movies. This movie almost lost me.Then I kept watching. I usually get bored in the first 10 min. This 1 ikept watching because i knew there was something better to come. I keptwatching and fell in love with the father character. Throughout themovie, he is better than you can ever be. Looking out for his onlychild. His character makes you want to cry. All he does is good and itdoesn't work out exactly ass he had planned. This movie is a 10/10. Iloved it. Thia is a very very good movie. Sry pple it says i need morelines. If u like this maybe you will like crazy/beautiful. I must saytho this is way better. If you can not speak Spanish. It may be hard.Just dl the copy with subs. Once again great movie. The father is hot.but i have a thing for older men. lol.

Damion J. Rowan

(2012-04-27 08:29:12)

Very well done.....for a Lifetime movie.

Honestly, I am not sure what to say about this film. Demian Bachir,best known for his role on "Weeds," received a completely unexpectedOscar nomination for his role as Carlos, a Mexican single father,gardener, and illegal immigrant in Los Angeles who does all he can togive him and his fourteen-year old son...you guessed it...a betterlife.Not being very familiar with the situation of illegal immigrants inCalifornia, I would like to say that this seemed like a very genuineportrayal of the hardships that some of these men and women go through,but my assumption may or may not be an overstep. I cannot deny I wastouched very much by this film even though I felt some what manipulatedat times. It came across more like a Lifetime movie than a Hollywoodrelease. However, if the film's point was to give an emotional side tothe question and plight of illegal immigrants who are just trying to dogood, it succeeded.As for Bachir's Oscar nomination, I am not all together convinced it isdeserving. I am in no way trying to take anything away from what isdefinitely a solid, almost heartbreaking performance but a handsomeactor who, no doubt, has a bright future ahead of him in Hollywood, butI cannot help but think it just was not quite up to standard to havereceived such an honour and that the performance was nominated forpolitical reasons rather than artistic ones."A Better Life" could have been a better movie, but in terms of themessage it attempts to make, it is acknowledged, loud and clear.

lourensini

(2012-04-27 00:52:53)

I didn't 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 JosГѓВ©JuliГѓВЎn 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 DemiГѓВЎn 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 DemiГѓВЎn Bichir, but theystill leave they're marks, like Gabriel Chavarria as RamГѓВіn.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.

tflosse

(2012-04-26 05:31:03)

Wonderful and extremely moving.

Chris Weitz pulls us in to this wonderful movie with a very strongdramatical structure as we follow an immigrant and he's son on theirride on this roller-coaster we call life. A call to reality as we facewith them the difficulties that majority of immigrants have to dealwith in order to make it: the struggle of a father to provide for hisson, keep him away from gangs and give him better future prospects, butalso his struggle to fill the gap between his generation and that ofhis son and built a strong relationship. "A better life" is the mostmoving film about the life of central and South-American immigrantshere and the United States I have seen so far. It's a reminder that formost immigrants "hoping the fence" may actually be the easiest part.This very humbling story may open many eyes and inspire you as well forit teaches us that we may not always have it easy, but the importantpart is to keep sight of our goals. It's about dreams, it's about love,it's about life.

jason-e-chapman

(2012-04-26 04:10:09)

fantastic movie - a real tear jerker

This movie was beautifully done. It gave me a completely differentperspective on the plight of the illegal alien. The bond between the father and the son were wonderfully portrayed inthis movie. Anyone that has kids will be able to relate - the fatherjust wants more for his son. The plight of the Mexican is a bit of a lose - lose situation, as thisfilm demonstrates. There is nothing for them in their own country;America is their only hope. Anyone would do the same thing as the leadcharacter in this film - take the dangerous risk of immigrating toAmerica - by whatever means necessary.

851222

(2012-04-25 21:31:37)

Inspiring and touching movie

Greetings from Lithuania."Better Life" was a really good movie. It reminded my another goodmovie about similar life "The Visitor". This is a really inspiring andtouching movie about single fathers "journey" to make a better life forhis son (or as they say, to find American dream). The way is hard, andsure not everyone can go through it. It's really rare in these days tosee such a simple story on a big screen, not overdone in specialeffects and stuff like that.If you like simple and quiet but powerful stories, "Better Life" is onenot to be missed.

Clayton Davis

(2012-04-25 02:08:02)

Demian Bichir is OUTSTANDING (***½)

Chris Weitz had a breakthrough in a big way in 2002′s 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

Hellmant

(2012-04-24 16:34:10)

Bichir's performance is the heart of the film and it's 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=_KzFGXKpG30

Robert W.

(2012-04-24 05:32:35)

Lovely and heart wrenching story, a worthy drama

I went into this film blindly having no idea what it was about. It wasa really touching and riveting film about a father's love for hisson...its that simple. Some will say it supporting illegal immigrationand doesn't deal with that issue but simply put who cares! This isabout love and family and survival in the often cruel world. It is darkand no holds barred and doesn't pretend to be sunny and happy, in factsome might say the title is ironic but it really will leave you with asoft warm feeling when its all done and said.DemiГѓВЎn Bichir is truly excellent as the struggling father. He carriesthis film flawlessly and is truly the heart and soul of A Better Life.Not to be outdone his son is played by JosГѓВ© JuliГѓВЎn and he is alsoreally good. He plays the teenager struggling in the streets to staygood and deal with feelings of poverty and his upbringing and hisfather but all is done in a way where you don't resent him even whenhe's perhaps ungrateful the way many of us are or were as teenagers.Director Chris Weitz has had an odd mix of past experience from aTwilight film (New Moon) to About A Boy, but he clearly wants to tell apowerful story. I do think that Weitz maybe doesn't have quite thetalent to really knock this one out of the park the way a director whoreally knows his way around a drama might have but its still anexcellent film that won't disappoint you. The morals are clear, thedirection is good, the performances are solid, all around entertainingand endearing. 8/10

Oliver Ledger

(2012-04-23 20:17:14)

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!

dreamalladream

(2012-04-22 20:38:30)

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.

3xHCCH

(2012-04-22 17:13:04)

Just Another Immigrant Family Drama

I was only interested to watch "A Better Life" because of the BestActor Oscar nomination given its "unknown" (to me, at least) leadactor, Demian Bichir. Before watching the film, I did not even knowwhat nationality Mr. Bichir was. I even thought he might be from theMiddle East. Although the title was suggestive enough, I did not havean idea what the movie would be about.This is about a Mexican father who wishes for nothing more than "abetter life" for his son, even if it means resorting to illegalimmigration into the United States. He buys a truck to help his"illegal" gardening business progress, knowing fully well the risks ifhe was discovered. He also struggles to bond with his head-strongAmericanized 14-year old son, who also struggles to resist peerpressure among the Latino gangs in East LA. I will not spoil the storyanymore from here. Coming from the Third World myself, the story is something veryfamiliar. I did not really find anything extraordinary about the wholefilm. It felt like a B made-for-TV family drama movie. The actors weregenerally amateurish, especially the young actor playing the son JoseJulian. As for Mr. Demian Bichir, does he deserve the Oscar nomination?Okay, he is quite good, especially in those scenes where he showsdesperation and despair. But overall, for me, it is nothing we have notalready seen before in dramas like this.