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A Better Life Movie Review

Name: A Better Life Movie Review
Item: A Better Life
Rating: 4
Author: Pradip Bhat

Written by

Review for the film " A Better Life"

Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video

Runtime: 01 Hour 34 Minutes

Certificate: UA

Released: 24-06-2011

Genre: Drama

Similar To: Somewhere Beautiful, White Boy Rick, Write When You Get Work, Tupperware Unsealed

Critic Review
User Review

4 / 5.0

3.45 / 5.0

CAST & CREW

Lupita Nyong O

Alexandre Desplat

Peter Lambert

Paul Junger Witt

MORE CAST & CREW

Producer:

Paul Junger Witt

Lupita Nyong O

Cinematographer:

Javier Aguirresarobe

Editor:

Peter Lambert

Composer:

Alexandre Desplat

Director:

Lupita Nyong O

Movie Actor:

Demián Bichir

Screenplay:

Eric Eason

Screenplay Writer:

Roger L. Simon

Click Here For Full Cast & Crew

A Better Life Click to look into! >> Read More... is a social drama directed by Chris Weitz Chris is a film producer, screenwriter, author, ac >> Read More... . Eric Eason has written the screenplay, while Roger L Simon is the story writer of the script. The film is co-produced by Paul Junger Witt Paul Junger Witt was an American TV show and Films >> Read More... , Christian McLaughlin, Chris Weitz, and Jamie Gertz. The film is distributed under the combined banner of Lime Orchard Productions and Witt/ Thomas Productions. Javier Aguirresarobe is the cinematographer, while Peter Lambert Peter Lambert is an American film editor known for >> Read More... is the editor of the film. The film stars Demian Bichir and Jose Julian in the lead. The supporting cast of this film comprises Dolores Heredia, Carlos Linares, Joaquin Cosio, Nancy Lenehan Nancy Lenehan was born on 26th April 1953. Nancy i >> Read More... , etc. The film got a limited theatrical release on 24 June 2011.

Plot

Carlos Galindo is an immigrant gardener working in Los Angeles. He has a tough time keeping himself sane, as well as raising his son Luis in the right manner. However, the theft of a truck makes the two rethink their bond, as well as see things in a different light.

Star Performances

For a movie this politically influenced, Chris Weitz has done a fantastic job. He has ensured that from the most basic conversations to some risky stunts, everything looks authentic.

Despite the subject, writers like Eric Eason and Roger L Simon have ensured that the audiences are both engaged, as well as intrigued by the journey of the two protagonists.
A special mention to Demian Bichir, who has enthralled us with his emotional rendition of a Hispanic immigrant, who despite his circumstances, refuses to bow down.

Analysis

Sometimes, the toughest thing in this world is to be simple. Yet, Chris Weitz and his team of writers tread this very path to prove a message: Nothing is impossible.

‘A Better Life’ is a sensitive, yet intriguing take on how immigrants give it their all while trying their best not to be on the other side of the law. It is one of the few films, that addresses the issue, but also does the tougher job of not glorifying anything bad in the name of immigration.

Technically, the movie is simple, yet effective. The writers have done a phenomenal job in using the local lingo, for both the residents of LA, as well as the Hispanic immigrants. Nothing feels out of place. Director Chris Weitz took the extra step of casting Hispanic actors for their respective roles. Now that is some effort to make your film great!

As the leading pair, Demian Bichir and Jose Julian have done a brilliant job as the immigrant pair. Despite the circumstances, Demian as the father wants that his son should be as far away from crime as possible. Jose as the rebellious, but naïve Luis, also does justice to his role.

A few glitches here and there are ignorable, owing to the strong narrative on display.

What's There?

Great acting performances from Demian Bichir and Jose Julian
Special focus on local lingo and slang
Authentic casting
Engaging, yet focused narrative
Great direction by Chris Weitz

What's Not There?

A few minor glitches

Verdict

‘A Better Life’ is a good, emotional drama that is both emotional and precise. From extra authentic casting to a clear focus on the bond between the father and the son, this film is simply awesome. Do watch this film if you have not.

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