A Better Life [DVD]

A must-see film, and very timely. We are in very uneasy times in the US and immigration issues are a hot-button for many in this nation. I was struck by how this father experienced so many tough breaks, one after the other, just to care for his boy and make a better life for him. Literally, at one point in the movie I thought of turning it off because I couldn't stand "one more thing" to go awry for this man. Then, about 1 and 1/2 hours into the movie, he finds a glimpse of grace, in of all places, the deportation prison! The conversation between father and son was gut wrenching. I sobbed.This is a horribly sad movie. What's even sadder is that is true to life. There must be a better way. Let's pray for our nation's leaders--that God gives them wisdom and discernment to steer our country back in the right direction.

This movie may not have received enough attention because of its theme: a father, an illegal immigrant, struggling for a better life for himself and his son. But there isn't a political agenda here, no message that illegal immigration is "right" or "wrong." The film simply and poignantly portrays one family's experiences. The real surprise is how deftly this is done when it could have been a sloppy or heavy handed movie.Carlos, the Mexican father living illegally in Los Angeles, has a stoic integrity and determination. His son Luis gives meaning to his life. Unfortunately, Luis is full of mixed emotions with anger often winning out. Should he join a gang? Give up hope that things will get better? Reject his father's "old-fashioned" values?The varied characters gave the movie a special intensity for me. The movie doesn't pull any punches or give in to easy solutions or try to hit viewers over the head with a particular point of view. The director ( Chris Weitz) is savvy enough to let events unfold naturally, showing Carlos at work, Luis dealing with tensions at school and home, father and son struggling to understand each other.There is also a pivotal event which creates dramatic tension but to mention details would ruin this movie for viewers. How that moment is handled helps define the father/son connection. While I still consider the film well worth seeing, I was a bit disappointed in the abrupt ending and would have liked to see more about how things unfolded. But that is truly a tiny thing for an otherwise superbly done film.

I heard about this movie through some reviews. I decided to purchase it myself. I didn't expect myself to be emotionally involved. It was well written and the actors were great.

I teach Spanish in high school and I shared this movie with my clases, they love it and bring many questions that can be tied up with culture and traditionsI highly recommend it!

Good movie.

I love this movie. Show it to my students at school. Always a hit!

Very good movie highly recommend. Had funny parts and some very sad but over all 5 stars from me

Very moving film from a loving and personal perspective dealing with the struggle immigrants take on everyday just trying to make a better life for themselves and their loved ones. A real eye opener to the inner world of a life that many of us never see at such a personal level. Even though the film was made a few years ago, it put a face on a topic that has been talked about in the news lately by the current Presidential candidates. Might make some think differently about "the wall". I know it made me really think about the issue in a different light. The story and the acting is superb! Brought tears to my eyes.