"A Better Life" has a lot of material in order to create a moving and truly appealing story. It follows the lives of Carlos- an illegal alien working as a gardener in Los Angeles, and his son Luis. Carlos is trying to set the ground for a better life for his son. He spends his last savings (including money from his sister, who helps him out) on a truck, hoping to become an independent gardener. This will enable him to save up and hire a lawyer in order to take care of all of the paperwork needed.
Unfortunately, this complex situation isn't enough for the screenwriter to leverage his story into a compelling tale.
More than a third of the film focuses on Carlos's efforts to retrieve the truck he had just acquired, which was stolen from him by another laborer he offered a job to one day. This screenwriter's decision may have made sense, if the journey to find he truck would have exposed us, the viewers, to the complexities of the lives of illegal aliens in the States. Instead, most of the characterization remains shallow and unsatisfying. That's too bad, since this subject could have "forced" the viewer to go in depth into such issues, which he/she would rather swerve off his sight.
However, kudos must be given to Bichir, the shining pearl of this film, for expressing Carlos's sincere hopelessness in a situation caused by hopeful decisions. I could really feel the parent in him, his true concern for his son- his sole purpose in life. I'm glad he was recognized (unbelievably) by the Academy. Hopefully this will jump start his career and we'll get to see more of this talented actor.
Unfortunately, this complex situation isn't enough for the screenwriter to leverage his story into a compelling tale.
More than a third of the film focuses on Carlos's efforts to retrieve the truck he had just acquired, which was stolen from him by another laborer he offered a job to one day. This screenwriter's decision may have made sense, if the journey to find he truck would have exposed us, the viewers, to the complexities of the lives of illegal aliens in the States. Instead, most of the characterization remains shallow and unsatisfying. That's too bad, since this subject could have "forced" the viewer to go in depth into such issues, which he/she would rather swerve off his sight.
However, kudos must be given to Bichir, the shining pearl of this film, for expressing Carlos's sincere hopelessness in a situation caused by hopeful decisions. I could really feel the parent in him, his true concern for his son- his sole purpose in life. I'm glad he was recognized (unbelievably) by the Academy. Hopefully this will jump start his career and we'll get to see more of this talented actor.