“My mom says, when I miss her, I should look at the moon because she is looking at it too.“
- Carlitos
Rating: Butter Popcorn
Carlitos is a nine-year-old boy who finds himself in the same situation as thousands of children in Mexico who have been left behind by their parents in order to provide for their families. Rosario, Carlitos’ mother, left him four years ago to be an illegal worker in Los Angeles, sending him and her mother $250 every month to help them live better lives. When Carlitos’ grandmother passes away, he has nobody to take care of him, so he decides to embark on a journey to find his mother. With determination and optimism, Carlitos risks his own life as he faces insurmountable obstacles.
Under The Same Moon is a very moving movie, which stars Adrian Alonso (The Mask of Zorro) and Kate Del Castillo (Bordertown). Adrian and Kate both give excellent performances with their respective roles: Carlitos and Rosario.
The film brings to the big screen an issue that affects thousands of people living in the U.S. and Mexico. Many Mexican parents will leave their children under the care of relatives in order to attempt to cross into the U.S. illegally and find work so that they can better provide for their families. What I noticed in the movie is that illegal immigrants will help each other out, even though they may be strangers, but when the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) raids their American home or workplace, it becomes each man for himself.
Under The Same Moon is one of the best movies of the year up to now and could be nominated for an Academy Award, but the timing of the release, being the beginning of the year, will definitely hurt its chances. Under The Same Moon is a worth seeing if you’re able to find it at your local cinema as it is a limited release. I had to wait until this past Friday in order to see it here in Halifax.
Have you or somebody you know been in the same shoes as Carlitos or Rosario? Feel free to share your stories and experiences.
Theatrical Release Date: March 19, 2008
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