An undocumented immigrant Mexican worker, Carlos Galindo (Demian Bichir) is a single father chasing the American dream. Determined to give his smart-arsed teenage son Luis (Jose Julian) a bright future, he toils every day for a dollar with his boss, circling East LA in a truck, for landscaping jobs. The boss eventually sells Galindo the truck, and this becomes the father and son's starting point for a better life. But an unexpected incident threatens their future.
Directed by Christ Weistz, A Better Life is a simple yet profoundly touching story of a decent, hard-working and loving father who remains to be admirably good and humble even during life's cruel situations. The movie, even in its quiet moments, offers multitudes of emotions-- even Galindo climbing a palm tree already seems to tell a story-- with every upward step he makes, you are getting a vivid glimpse of his hopes and dreams...even a sense of his history.
Demian Bichir, Oscar-nominated this year for Best Actor, delivers a memorable, and heart-achingly profound performance as Galindo, his actions and his eyes speak a thousand words at once. His depiction of the kind, dignified Galindo resonates in every scene; you are captivated by his presence even as he is simply walking down the street, sleeping, or being patient with his Americanized son who has a tendency to become a thug.
A Better Life is an intimate portrayal of one of the many stories of Mexican immigrant workers trying to survive in America. But it is also a moving story of a father-son relationship. The heartfelt screenplay delivers mostly quiet, thoughtful scenes that draw emotions-- a long look, the dusty sunset in gang-riddled Mexican communities, a furrowed brow, a heavy tired step, and the sway of palm trees...heightened by the subtle musical score, with just the right amount of crackling tension.
A Better Life will surely put a lump in your throat, and if you're a weeper, will make you bawl.
4.5 out of 5 stars
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