UNDER THE SAME MOON

(La Misma Luna)

SHOWTIMES

 

Under The Same Moon is a welcome antidote to the relentless bashing of Mexicans as illegal immigrants. Here’s a hard-nosed yet warm look at the Mexican side of the story that chronicles two sides of the family history. Single mom Rosario, now in her early twenties, is committed to providing a better life for her son Carlito. As a teenager she was abandoned by the young father. Unable to find work, she leaves Carlito, aged four, with her Mother and sets out on the terrifying journey across the US border. Every Sunday she speaks to Carlito from a payphone. At age nine, Carlito’s side of the story is triggered by the death of his grandmother and his determination to join her in L.A. Buoyed by her love, and maturity beyond his years, Carlito’s journey mirrors the frightening experience of millions of undocumented immigrants now living, working, raising families, and paying taxes in the US. Powering this Sundance Award-winning film are the deep love of a mother and son, as well as the daily tensions that pervades the life of the Mexicans who enter the US without documentation. –Vic Skolnick

Mexico, 2007, 109 min., color, in Spanish and English with subtitles • Director: Patricia Riggen • Writer: Ligiah Villalobos • Cast: Adrian Alonso, Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, Maya Zapata, Carmen Salinas