Cine - Under the Same Moon
Under the Same Moon is a story about a Mexican immigrant
named Rosario, portrayed by Kate del Castillo, who made
off to the United States seeking employment opportunities
when her son Carlitos (Adrian Alonso) was merely 5 years
old. Since then, she has been working multiple jobs as a housemaid
and on Sundays, the two communicate via public phones in L.A. and
Mexico.
Now 10, Carlitos begins to find out more information concerning his
family and the desire to re-unite with his mother intensifies. The unexpected
death of someone close to him proved to be the last straw. It is
during this time he propositions a pair of siblings who went to Mexico
in order to smuggle people out in exchange for cash. Marta (America
Ferrera) and her brother David (Jesse Garcia) accept the offer and this is
the point in the film that marks the beginning of Carlitos’ journey to the
United States.
From there the insurmountable obstacles presented before Carlitos
challenge his will as he finds himself in and out of some really tight spots
while encountering friends and foes along the way.
Director Patricia Riggen did a phenomenal job moving the audience
in this emotional roller coaster ride of a film. The naturalistic style of acting
employed by both the supporting and main cast members credibly
carried the story. The viewer really gets an inside look at a world where
people are looking to survive through modest means but still have to look
over their shoulders for immigration law enforcement. It’s the infamous
tightrope walk many in the American Southwest have had to endure.
Thumbs up to writer Ligiah Villalobos for capturing the essence of what
many immigrants have sacrificed and risked by traveling north of the
border.
The social impact of immigration is touched upon throughout by way
of early morning radio shows as well. Seemingly dominating the content
of the fictional programming, sound bites aid in shedding light on the
current political climate of the United States concerning this issue from
a Mexican perspective.
A beautiful story about the love between a mother and son, Under the Same Moon has tear-jerking appeal, a careful blend of suspense, action, and some comedy that will not disappoint.
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