A Better Life – DVD

There are a handful of films out there that give a good insight into the plight of migrants and into the struggles associated with such. Sin Nombre, Bajo La Misma Luna, are just a couple of more recent ones that show you the sadness but also the hope associated with either living here in the United States illegally or trying to get here illegally. A Better Life is one such film that takes you through that heartbreak path to give you some sort of inspiration and insight into the little bit of hope that some of these migrants must depend on to survive from one day to the next. Demián Bichir, in an Oscar nominated role plays the part of Carlos, a gardener, working day after day to somehow try to achieve a semblance of an American dream while trying to keep his son Luis out of the trouble that is found in the streets of L.A. Although the film fails in some of the liberties taken and in the way some scenarios play out, it doesn’t fail in telling a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. If you get the chance, you should give it a try, this is one fascinating city we live in. Oh, and I was a bit surprised to find the name of one Jami Gertz associated with this as a producer, who knew?! 4 out of 5 stars.