Fresh
The didacticism takes the shine off Weitz's accomplishment, even if the film builds up enough empathy to generate slow-burning emotional impact.
Trevor Johnston, Time Out
A Better Life
Every father wants more for his son.
2011 · 1h 38m · PG-13
Drama
Directed by
Chris Weitz
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A Better Life
Overview
An Indigenous Latino American gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while traveling across town to perform landscaping work for the city's wealthy landowners.
Director and cast
- Chris Weitz Director
- Demián Bichir as Carlos Riquelme
- José Julián as Luis Galindo
- Chelsea Rendon as Ruthie Valdez
- Olivia Presley as Rude busrider (as Olivia Guerrero)
- Dolores Heredia as Anita
- Joaquín Cosío as Blasco Martinez
- Carlos Linares as Santiago
- Bobby Soto as Facundo
- Nancy Lenehan as Mrs. Donnely
- Gabriel Chavarria as Ramon
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
85%
Tomatometer
Fresh
Bichir delivers a powerful, nuanced performance as a stoic but complex character who treats everyone -- even those who have wronged him -- with a dignity he rarely receives.
Jennie Punter, Globe and Mail
Fresh
The people here seem real, their world is shaky at best, and the political tension that permeates everything in this film feels palpable.
Tom Long, Detroit News
Fresh
Bichir redeems the secondhand plot and on-the-nose dialogue.
Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Fresh
Personalizes the illegal immigrant experience and digs much deeper into what has become a national disgrace.
Greg Quill, Toronto Star
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