Review of A Better Life (2011) by James C — 05 Dec 2011

Director Chris Weitz (American Pie, About a Boy, The Golden Compass) brings us the simple and touching tale of an illegal immigrant named Carlos Galindo (Demian Bachir), his troubled teenage son Luis (Jose Julian), and their journey to find a better life. Carlos works as a gardener in LA and when he receives the opportunity to buy his work-for-hire bosses truck who is returning to Mexico, he jumps on it, thinking he can start his own company, and provide more for himself and his son. However, when a simple act of kindness leads to Carlosâ(TM)s new truck being stolen, the story takes a quick left turn, and the livelihood of Carlos and his child stands in the balance. Weitz has given us a sweet and compelling story about a father and son which is altogether sincere, emotional, and deeply heartfelt. One reason the film works so well is the entirely authentic and soulful performance of Demian Bachir. They say the eyes are the window to the soul and if that is true, Mr. Bachir in his eyes alone shows us character who is vulnerable, frustrated, sad, and yet possesses a quiet inner strength that motivates him to fight for the survival of himself and his son, with the hopes it will one day provide a better life.

GRADE: B+.