Genre: Drama
Director: Patricia Riggen
Cast: Kate Del Castillo, Adrian Alonso, Jesse Garcia, Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, Maya Zapata, Carmen Salinas
RunTime: 1 hr 46 mins
Released By: GV
Rating: PG
Official Website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/underthesamemoon/

Opening Day: 24 July 2008

Synopsis:

"Under the Same Moon" 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:

In a nutshell, Under the Same Moon follows the lives of Rosario (Kate Del Castillo), a single mother working illegally in Los Angeles, and Carlitos (Adrian Alonso), her young son who is being taken care of by his terminally sick grandmother in Mexico.

The gist of the story is hinted very early in the movie, during a scheduled phone call Rosario makes to Carlitos on Sunday at 10 am. It also happens to be his birthday, and on being asked what he wants for his birthday, he answers with a heartfelt and resounding, “you”.

Soon after his birthday, his grandmother dies, and this spurs Carlitos on to achieve the near impossible, which is to cross the Mexico-US border and reunite with Rosario. He resolves to do so before the upcoming Sunday, so that she will not be worried when she calls back next.

The rest of the movie, which I will not spoil, follows him on the arduous journey to travel across borders by Sunday and also, Rosario’s desperation as she grapples with financial/citizenship issues and guilt stemming from her absence in her child’s life. One thing I must spoil though; fans of Ugly Betty, be sure to catch this as America Ferrera has a small, yet pivotal role to play in illegally bringing Carlitos across the border.

Alonso is perfect as Carlitos; an adorable, smart and mature lad (hey, at nine years old, he’s juggling school AND a part-time job!) who will do anything to meet his mom. Enrique (Eugenio Derbez), an illegal immigrant from Mexico, who later joins, albeit reluctantly, him on his journey as a result of … let’s just say, a turn of events. He is excellent as a man whose hardened heart gradually warms up to the affable Carlitos, and towards the end, sacrifices selflessly (in a redundant plot development) for the son and mother to meet.

However, as a result of the nature of the story, many supporting characters are introduced into the plot, and it’s more so than often that they disappear within one or two scenes after effectively piquing the interest of the viewers As such, some of the characters come across as empty and sadly, underutilized. Secondly, by injecting Carlitos’ journey with several trials and tribulations, the story subsequently suffers from an overdose of melodrama, and it becomes a little… tiring to watch towards the end.

And plus, it doesn’t really help when half of the time you are staring into face of a competent actress (Kate Del Castillo) who bears a striking resemblance to self-styled tabloid-trash-actress Lindsay Lohan. But I digress.

However, I must say that the atmosphere and mood is pretty well captured. The entire movie consists of vibrant and colourful shots, all a constant testament to Mexico’s culture and lifestyle. The score, equally as vibrant as the cinematography, brings the viewer straight into the heart of Mexico with its ranchera and norteño tunes. You will find yourself tapping your shoes, and humming the catchy tunes (of candid songs on illegal immigrants, love, etc) featured during, and even long after the movie has ended.

Under the Same Moon is essentially, a charming movie of undying hope, love and courage to fight the odds. It’s as simple as that, and by keeping that in mind, one will be able to overlook the flaws that it possesses. It is without a doubt not a bad movie; it’s fine at best, but not as remarkable as other movies of similar genre (i.e.: City of God).

All in all, it is a good movie to bring your kids, your significant other, or friends to; it’s highly relatable despite the once in a while over-the-top melodrama, and plus, everyone knows that a lesson in humility and hope… will not hurt.

(I MUST end this review with an apt line from one of the songs in the movie, …

Movie Rating:



“Cos’ of love, I will cross the border without fear.”)

Review by Casandra Wong