A Better Life
2011 · Movie · PG-13 · 98 min · ★ 7.2 · 75% critics
In East Los Angeles, a hardworking gardener tries to protect his teenage son from gang influence while living under the constant threat of immigration enforcement. When a crucial work vehicle goes missing, their search across the city becomes a test of family, trust, and survival.
Also known as Una Vida Mejor · Better Life, A
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Details
- Years
- 2011
- Release date
- 2011-06-24
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 75/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (280 votes)
About
You’ll likely connect with this if you like intimate, emotional family dramas about sacrifice and hope, with a grounded feel similar to Maudie; Not for you if you want fast pacing or a lighter escape.
Pros: moving father-son bond; heartfelt lead performance; grounded, touching story | Cons: slow first half; familiar premise; uneven supporting characters
Themes
- california
- undocumented immigrant
- gardener
- parental sacrifice
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Actor · 2012 · nominated
Cast & crew
Demián Bichir
as Carlos Riquelme
José Julián
as Luis Galindo
Chelsea Rendon
as Ruthie Valdez
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
Tim Griffin
as Charlie
Directed by Chris Weitz