SYNOPSIS:
UNDER THE SAME MOON (LA MISMA LUNA) tells the parallel stories of nine-year-old Carlitos and his mother, Rosario. In the hopes of providing a better life for her son, Rosario works illegally in the U.S. while her mother cares for Carlitos back in Mexico. Unexpected circumstances drive both Rosario and Carlitos to embark on their own journeys in a desperate attempt to reunite. Along the way, mother and son face challenges and obstacles but never lose hope that they will one day be together again. Riggen�s film is not only a heartwarming family story; she also offers subtle commentary on the much-debated issue of illegal immigration.
MOVIE REVIEW:
There’s a delightful moment in this Mexican movie that we will remember for a long time. A young boy calls his mother from a phone booth in Mexico. His mother in America describes to him what she sees around her, and when he turns around, he sees what his mother sees, and in that long tracking shot, we can guarantee that the magic of cinema will bring smiles to many faces. With this one scene, it made it to the list to become one of our favourite foreign films. Ever.
The heartfelt film tells the touching tale of a nine year old boy and his mother, who are separated in two different lands. Wanting to provide a better life for her young son, the mother works illegally in America while he is taken care of by the grandmother back in Mexico. When the grandmother dies, the young boy is forced to go on an unforgettable journey to look for his mother. Along the way, there will be missed opportunities, continuous obstacles and challenges – but thanks to hope, the mother and son will reunite in a happy finale.
And you should have seen that coming. So do not diss the 110 minute movie for not shedding new light on the issue of illegal immigrants crossing the borders of America. This is, after all, an experience which director Patricia Riggen wants you to indulge in to get a glimpse of what it’s like to seek out a loved one in an unknown land. There are many moments which you’ll feel manipulated, but the sentimental side of you will go along for the ride simply because, you have human emotions.
Of course, casting an adorable kid in the main role helps. Adrian Alonso (remember that boy from The Legend of Zorro?), who plays the wide eyed boy, has such a high appeal factor that you’d feel heartless not to fall in love with him. Kate del Castillo (Trade) plays the mother with such heartbreaking affection that you’d want to tell your own mother how much you love her. America “Ugly Betty” Ferrera and Jesse Garcia (TV’s Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) plays the couple who smuggle the boy into America. Their authentic portrayals of the helpful couple add to the urgent pacing of the movie.
At the end of the day, when you think about the idea that there is someone sharing that special moment with you “under the same moon” (hence the title, get it?), you’d be smiling as much as we are, hoping that one fine day, things can be as ideal and romanticized as in the world of films.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
This Code 3 DVD contains no extra features.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
The visual transfer maintains the magic of the cinematography by Checco Varese. The movie is presented in its original Spanish audio track.
MOVIE RATING:
DVD
RATING :
Review
by John Li
|
