La Misma Luna – 2007 (Spanish with English Subtitles)
In this tale illuminating the plight of illegal aliens, Kate del Castillo plays Rosario, a woman working illegally in the United States to provide a better life for her son Carlitos (Adrian Alonso), who remains at home in Mexico. Longing for his mother, Carlitos stows away on a van that's headed for the border. An already treacherous journey becomes even more so when Carlitos is separated from his smugglers (Jesse Garcia, America Ferrera).
There are times when a film shows you its true heart. There are times when a story surpasses it telling to touch you in the deepest of places. For example: Mi Familia, Fried Green Tomatoes, La Vie en Rose to name a few. These are stories where characters grow right before your eyes yet never lose that sense of familiarity. Just having wiped the last tear of uncompromising joy from my eye… This is one of those films.
The polarizing debate of illegal immigration gets a much needed human touch in this film by Indie director Patricia Riggen. This is not a political tale nor does it preach in support of either side. This is a story of love, separation and courage. A son longs for his mother. A mother longs for the son she left behind. Through unforeseen circumstances, 9yr old Carlitos (played by talented child actor Adrian Alonso) sets out to cross the American border in search of his mother who is living in LA. His journey is often scary and disheartening. He presses on, determined that his faith in love and his mother will get him where he needs to go.
There are many great performances by well known Latino actors. The best of these in my opinion are Kate del Castillo and Eugenio Derbez with honorable mention to Carmen Salinas. Kate gives an honest performance. Her character is motivated by loyalty and love. She will not blinded by anything or anyone when it comes to her son. Her vulnerability peaks toward the end of the film. She is such strong person without being overtly tough that when she does finally succumb to any kind of pain, your heart drops. Eugenio on other hand, adds a nice light to the drama of the movie. He slips in a couple one liners that are funny but not forced. That's the thing, none of these characters are forced. Their motivations are true and sincere not manipulated. (See-Babel, for case in point: WHAT NOT TO DO WITH YOUR CHARACTERS!!!)
I really don't think I can say how much more I loved this movie. I will admit that at times it gets a little sappy but don't worry, it will not ruin the ultimate heart of this film. BTW, I absolutely love the very last shot in the film. It is perfection. The soul that the writer and director put into this movie makes it all the more special. It would be a shame not to see it. La Misma Luna: A+
Thanks- Richard
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