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A Better Life
Rated PG-13 · 98 minutes · 2011
Drama
Drama
Demián Bichir gives a tough but vulnerable portrayal in A Better Life as an illegal Mexican immigrant trying to give himself and his son a fresh start in America. While not innocuous, the message is not too inflammatory, either. Director Chris Weitz frames it as apolitically as one can (although he clearly seems to think the current system of dealing with immigration is not working—which isn’t exactly a bold stance). It’s not as good as a couple of recent films on the topic, particularly La Misma Luna, but Bichir helps the film substantially. Director Weitz keeps changing it up, going from American Pie to Chris Rock’s Down to Earth to About a Boy to The Golden Compass to New Moon to this. He gets points for degree of difficulty, but his execution is not terribly strong.
Director: Chris Weitz
Producer: Jami Gertz, Christian McLaughlin and Stacey Lubliner
Cast: Demián Bichir, José Julián, Dolores Heredia, Joaquín Cosio, Carlos Linares, Tim Griffin, Rolando Molina, Isabella Thomas, Bobby Soto, Eddie Martinez and Chelsea Rendon
Producer: Jami Gertz, Christian McLaughlin and Stacey Lubliner
Cast: Demián Bichir, José Julián, Dolores Heredia, Joaquín Cosio, Carlos Linares, Tim Griffin, Rolando Molina, Isabella Thomas, Bobby Soto, Eddie Martinez and Chelsea Rendon
What others are saying (4)
Creative Loafing Atlanta
A Better Life humanizes the struggle of illegal workers
Director Chris Weitz takes a close look at the reality of the American dream
by Curt Holman
07/21/2011
A Better Life humanizes the struggle of illegal workers
Director Chris Weitz takes a close look at the reality of the American dream
by Curt Holman
07/21/2011
Portland Mercury
Undocumented America
A Better Life's look at Mexican immigrants is no happily-ever-after.
by Alison Hallett
07/14/2011
Undocumented America
A Better Life's look at Mexican immigrants is no happily-ever-after.
by Alison Hallett
07/14/2011
Memphis Flyer
L.A. Story
An imperfect immigration drama thrives on strong lead performances.
by Chris Herrington
07/21/2011
1 more review...
L.A. Story
An imperfect immigration drama thrives on strong lead performances.
by Chris Herrington
07/21/2011
Chicago Reader
Chicago French Film Festival
The Chicago French Film Festival, 7/27-7/29 at the Music Box
07/26/2012
Chicago French Film Festival
The Chicago French Film Festival, 7/27-7/29 at the Music Box
07/26/2012
