Customer Reviews

Under the Same Moon

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sensitive director Patricia Riggen has, in LA MISMA LUNA (UNDER THE SAME MOON), succeeded in creating a story about the travails of the illegal immigrants from Mexico that serves as a reminder to all of us that one of the reasons for the obsession to take the risks of crossing the border is an attempt to find a better life. While this story concept is by no means a novel one, writer Ligiah Villalobos has provided a script that avoids taking sides, but instead concentrates on creating wholly believable characters caught in the web of immigration - from both sides of the wall. This little film from Mexico is, above all, a film about love, about courage and about resilience and is portrayed by a very fine cast in every role.

Rosario (Kate del Castillo) is a single mother who crossed the border four years earlier in order to support her young son Carlitos (a superb young actor, Adrian Alonso) and her ailing mother by working double jobs as a housekeeper in Los Angeles. She keeps in touch with Carlitos with weekly phone calls and sends him gifts as well as money and love. When Rosario's mother dies, Carlitos takes life into his own hands and plans to cross the border with a little help from his experience with a wise old lady Coyota (Carmen Salinas) who aids immigrants. With his savings in his backpack and his heart aimed toward Los Angeles he sets out on his journey and is thwarted at every turn. He is picked up by two Hispanic students from the US (America Ferrara and Jesse Garcia) whose attempt to transport Carlitos is halted at the border - with the little Carlitos hidden under the seat of the now towed away car. Carlos escapes from the car in El Paso, meets up with some illegal workers who are arrested, leaving the hidden Carlitos with a reluctant companion Enrique (Eugenio Derbez) who is able to aid Carlitos (reluctantly!) to escape to Los Angeles. Through many 'jobs' and untoward situations Carlitos finally finds his way to the spot where he hopes he will meet his mother.

The rhythms of the cinematography, the sets, the flavors of both sides of the border, and the music that accompanies the film all contribute to making this story real and believable - and VERY touching. While Kate del Castillo is the major star of the film, it is the performance by Adrian Alonso that remains in the mind long after the credits are shown. Some viewers may find this film a bit too 'novella-like', but the magic that Patricia Riggen pulls from her large cast and verismo directing style will touch the hearts of most everyone. A fine little reminder of the other aspects of the Immigration topic! Grady Harp, June 08

The performace of Kate Del Castillo , Adrian Alonso "Carlitos" and Eugenio Derbez was flawless. It's a true example of a top quality film with great latino actors. This movie deals with a very highly debated issue in the U.S.: immigration. The story is powerful as it depicts the hardships that immigrants without papers must endure to earn a living in order to support their families back home. It also brings to the forefront how some U.S. employers take advantage of their status and exploit them. It is a "must see" film. You will laugh and you will cry as you experience the resilience of these characters. Bravo!

The numerous discussions here and at other forums over the feelings/issues covered in the film almost makes one want to steer away from watching this - "another" immigration film. I would hope instead that any movie watcher will see this film anyway and be rewarded with a life affirming family love story.

The performances, graceful music, relevant locales and (sometimes rushed but believable) scenarios fill the story line with the necessary themes to make this an inspirational film. The Superman song is hilarious as I had never heard it before - great lyrics. The most interesting thing about this experience was my 6-year old daughter (who speaks only a few words of Spanish) was completely intrigued by the entire piece. The boy actor is obviously ahead of his years, and his expressions and delivery made my girl realize what was happening without even knowing the full dialogue.

The DVD has a decent transfer, and both docus on the disc are worth watching. Docu #1 is over 30 minutes long covering the creation, inspiration and logistics of making the film. Only after watching it did I realize the power of the mother/son relationship showed in the film, even though they shared no scenes together. Docu #2 reveals the artwork/murals created for the film and in respect to the film throughout the Boyle Heights and neighboring areas. For those that revel in the appreciation of mural artwork and the artists behind them - the DVD would be a must-see just for this.

Putting aside all the political and personal issues being written here and elsewhere, I believe the whole family can sit down and watch this film. No work of fiction/reality can capture all of the complexities brushed upon by this movie, but the heart of the message shines through and will make you feel satisfied in the end.

This movie was an excellent addition to my high school Spanish class. It was a good lesson from many perspectives- family values, legal/illegal immigration, culture and class. What was also very good was that the movie did not have any scenes that I needed to "bleep out" for my students! It held thier attention and they were able to see a current topic from a new perspective.
I highly recommend this movie!

Excellent movie with strong actors. A moving tale of the Mexican stuggle for providing a better life for the rising generation despite great sacrifices made from the parents, in this case, single parent.
The experiences Carlitos encounters as he crosses the border to be with his mother are not far from the truth, unfortunately.
I wish something could be done to have hard working, honest hispanics respected with citizenship and/or at least treated more humanely and given the same opportunity as other people with "papers". This movie is a step in the right direction in opening the eyes of voters.

This film is an amazing glimpse of the life that some of our community members endure by having to live in the shadows. As a citizen who is close enough to see all of the negatives that undocumented community members experience, I know that their experience is usually much worse and more terrifying--and that there are those who are so privileged in this country that immorally take advantage of their plight. I absolutely recommend this brilliant production to all--it will be what I will be giving for every birthday and to all on my Christmas list as soon as it is available! I am surprised that people aren't now flocking to the theater to see "Under the Same Moon!" This movie makes a strong statement about love and family ties without judgment of nationalistic politics.

Excellent acting, superb directing, and a touching story. Adrian Alonso, an amazingly talented young actor, and the also very talented Kate del Castillo lead this cast of mostly little known actors/actresses (except America Ferrera, who only has a small but important role) in a story that will warm your heart.

Although the ending is somewhat predictable, the acting, directing, and plot twists are so well done that the movie will entertain you and keep you wondering how this drama will play out to its conclusion. Expect to see more fine work in future films from Alonso, del Castillo, and the director Patricia Riggen.

Be sure to watch BOTH special features. The "Making of" is nearly 30 minutes long and well worth watching for more depth about the story, characters, director, and cast. The 10-minute "Mural" feature is also excellent. I particularly recommend viewing it AFTER watching the movie. It provides an interesting behind the scenes look at a mural that was created in East LA about UNDER THE SAME MOON, but, even more intriguing is the glimpse it provides of this little understood art form and its role in the mostly Mexican/Hispano-American community within East LA.

CAUTION: although most strident illegal immigration opponents would not be attracted to a movie of this nature, the film does subtly portray(through lyrics of the various songs on the music track of the film and through the heartbreaking portrayal of the separated mother and son) illicit cross-border forays sentimentally and somewhat justifiably. It's clear to this viewer, especially after watching the "Making of" feature, that the director's intent was to highlight the HUMAN DRAMA that is part of the universal reality SHARED BY MANY people who leave behind their family and enter another country, legally or illegally. I mention this because I did NOT find the film to be a "pro" illegal immigration treatment, but rather a heartfelt look into the real-life saga of separated loved ones, especially parents and their children.

Overall, a strong 4.5 stars for this charming treat from our closest neighbor to the South (Mexico). Excelente! Muy bien hecha!

So well done and perfect PERFECT perfect for the Spanish I class (or any other) when talking about immigration in particular. My one morning class who generally has no emotion was all worked up over this one, in a good way. Wonderful! Highly recommended!

And to think, I almost missed this movie... that would have been a serious loss on my part. Under the Same Moon almost flew under my radar after a read a few critical reviews of it that stressed the director's inexperience and reliance on clichés... and yes it does get a little heavy handed with the emotions. But it has a very compelling story, whether you believe in open borders or 50 foot high concrete walls.

Carlito's contacts with his mother have been limited for the last four years to a once a week phone call to the local pay phone. She's working in Los Angeles (illegally) and trying to save enough money for an immigration attorney to legalize her status and bring Carlito to live with her. In the meantime, he lives with his grandmother and scratches for coins by selling chewing gum and doing odd jobs. The film establishes him as a very resourceful kid early on, which lends a degree of believability to later developments.

When his grandmother dies, Carlito enlists the help of two well-meaning (but decidedly amateur) people smugglers (one of whom played with understated perfection by America Ferrara of Ugly Betty fame). As you might guess, things go wrong and Carlitos is soon fending for himself to travel from Texas to LA.

Under the Same Moon could have been just a hokey piece of immigration propaganda, but it focuses more on a story of love held by mother and son. And if you're lucky enough to watch it, you just might have your understanding expanded with regard to the erstwhile law breakers that constitute much of our illegal immigrant population. Like a 9 year old boy determined to reunite with his mother, it's a complex scenario that won't easily be solved.

One final note, we watched this Spanish language movie with our 11 year old granddaughter (the first time she's ever watched a subtitled film). Not only did enjoy it (and she's a very picky viewer), once it was over she was very visibly moved with the emotion of it. So rate this as excellent by both grandparent AND grandchild standards!

This is a wonderful film and really gives insight into the plight of the illegal immigrant. I found it to be eye-opening, beautifully acted and deserving of all the awards it has won.