Review of A Better Life (2011) by Damion R — 05 Feb 2012

Honestly, I am not sure what to say about this film. Demian Bachir, best known for his role on "Weeds," received a completely unexpected Oscar nomination for his role as Carlos, a Mexican single father, gardener, and illegal immigrant in Los Angeles who does all he can to give him and his fourteen-year old son...you guessed it...a better life.

Not being very familiar with the situation of illegal immigrants in California, I would like to say that this seemed like a very genuine portrayal 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 was touched very much by this film even though I felt somewhat manipulated at times. It came across more like a Lifetime movie than a Hollywood release. However, if the film's point was to give an emotional side to the question and plight of illegal immigrants who are just trying to do good, it succeeded.

As for Bachir's Oscar nomination, I am not all together convinced it is deserving. I am in no way trying to take anything away from what is definitely a solid, almost heartbreaking performance but a handsome actor who, no doubt, has a bright future ahead of him in Hollywood, but I cannot help but think it just was not quite up to standard to have received such an honour and that the performance was nominated for political reasons rather than artistic ones.

"A Better Life" could have been a better movie, but in terms of the message it attempts to make, it is acknowledged, loud and clear.