'Under the Same Moon' balances heart and politics
By Taryn Lentes, Staff Writer
April 23, 2008 | 6 a.m.
In politics today there are few issues more controversial than immigration, and regardless of a person’s stance on this debate, the new film “Under the Same Moon” provides worthwhile insight on immigration.
"Under the Same Moon,” or its original Spanish title “La Misma Luna," is a unique film because it simultaneously balances its forefront political agenda with a background story. The film, directed by Patricia Riggen, centers around a 9-year-old boy named Carlitos (Adrian Alonso), who lives in Mexico while his mother works in the United States as an illegal immigrant. When his grandmother dies, he sets out on a journey to find his mother-- one that forces him to confront head-on the realities that face immigrants, both illegal and otherwise.
The film's plot relies heavily on the hardships that Carlitos faces as a result of his immigration status, which are portrayed with a devastating emotional effect. The politics never overwhelm the movie's core, which centers around the personal relationships between Carlitos and those he encounters. Although the film's viewers leave the theater thinking about immigration issues, the film also brings up many more personal issues, such as what it means to have an absent parent.
One of the people whom Carlitos meets on his journey is a fellow illegal immigrant named Enrique (Eugenio Derbez), who very reluctantly takes Carlitos under his wing. Watching the budding friendship between these two characters is one of the most touching aspects of "Under the Same Moon" because Alonso and Derbez both bring humor and real emotion to their on-screen relationship. The performances from these two actors anchor the movie and make it nearly impossible not to care about the fates of the characters that they portray.
Another superb performance from “Under the Same Moon” is that of Kate del Castillo as Rosario, Carlitos’ mother. Her emotional struggle to provide a better life for a son she has not seen in four years is heartbreaking, and it is the situation in which many real immigrants find themselves. The choices she must make every day and the lack of respect she must put up with in order to make a living is hard to watch at times, but Castillo’s performance adds much depth to the film.
America Ferrera of "Ugly Betty" appears briefly yet touchingly as Marta, a United States citizen who volunteers to smuggle Carlitos over the border in order to raise money for her brother’s college tuition. The dramatic role of Ferrera, well-known for her comedic role on “Ugly Betty,” proves she has talent beyond getting laughs.
The film is, for the most part, spoken in Spanish and accompanied by English subtitles. However, English is spoken frequently, too, as the characters move into the United States. Although some avoid films with subtitles, most audience members will forget that they are reading them midway through the movie.
“Under the Same Moon” is, at its heart, a story about the love between a mother and a son. The film is worth seeing for its touching portrayal of that alone. The added humor and the film's ability to make an audience think are simply bonuses. “Under the Same Moon” should leave the average viewers feeling satisfied with their movie-going experience, thinking about political issues and most likely with a big desire to call their mothers.
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“Under the Same Moon”
Speakeasy Rating: A
Running Time: 106 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some mature thematic elements