Buy A Better Life Movie. Watch online or Download
Genres: Dr
Starring: Nancy Lenehan, Tim Griffin, Gabriel Chavarria, Robert Peters, Demian Bichir, Joaquín Cosio, Valorie Hubbard
Director(s): Chris Weitz
Available Quality: Hi Def
Country: USA
Year: 2011
Available Quality: Hi Def, Hi Def
IMDB Rating: 6.9 out of 10 (2175 votes)
A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give his son the opportunities he never had.
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A Better Life (Hi Def) | Resolution: 1920x1080 px | Total Size: 6692 Mb |
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A Better Life (Hi Def) | Resolution: 1280x720 px | Total Size: 4456 Mb |
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Visitors Review
Hellmant (25 May 2012)
Bichir's performance is the heart of the film and it's backbone!
'A BETTER LIFE': Four Stars (Out of Five) Chris Weitz directed this inspiring drama about an illegal immigrantfrom Mexico trying to make 'a better life' for his teenage son. Weitzis the director (and co-director, with brother Paul at times) of suchpopular films as 'AMERICAN PIE', 'ABOUT A BOY', 'THE GOLDEN COMPASS'and 'THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON'. The screenplay was written by EricEason and based on a story originally titled 'The Gardener' by Roger L.Simon. Star Demian Bichir was nominated for an Oscar for his work andis the highlight of this powerfully moving father-son tale.Bichir plays Carlos Galindo, a gardener who's employer, Blasco (JoaquinCosio), constantly tries to convince him to buy his truck and business.When Carlos's sister Anita (Dolores Heredia) loans him the $12,000 heneeds to buy the truck, and gardening tools, Carlos finally sees a wayto provide a better future for his son Luis (Jose Julian), who has beenstruggling in school and began to get involved in crime. When Carlos'struck is stolen, right off the bat, he and his son go on an adventureto get it back.The movie is heartbreaking and hard to watch at times but it's alsovery moving and inspiring at other times. Thanks in large part to awell written and emotional script as well as topnotch directing from aWeitz brother once again. Bichir's performance is the heart of the filmthough and it's backbone. His award acclaim is very much deserved.Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rje99p8QSz8
David Ferguson (24 May 2012)
The Invisible Man
Greetings again from the darkness. Surprisingly, this movie doesn'tchoose sides in the political hot potato that is immigration reform.Instead, it plays as an intimate story of hope and desperation centeredaround the daily life of a father and son.The father is Carlos (played by veteran actor Demian Bichir), anundocumented worker in Los Angeles who scrapes by working as a gardenerand landscaper for another illegal immigrant. Carlos is raising a 15year old son who was born in the U.S. They are alone because the motherbolted after discovering the high life available in this great country.Carlos, on the other hand, believes in work ethic and the bond of ahandshake. His son Luis (Jose Julian) is fighting the daily battle ofthe streets - whether to join a gang for respect. Luis shows littleoutward respect for his hard-working father, who comes home sweaty andexhausted every day of the week.When Carlos' boss approaches him about buying his truck and tools,Carlos first balks because he simply has no money, and he is intent onremaining "invisible". In his case, a simple traffic stop would meandeportation and the loss of his son. After a night of pondering, heborrows the money from his sister and buys the truck. Carlos tells hisson that things will soon be better - better house, better school, etc.Luis is dubious and offers little support.The story takes a turn when the truck is stolen by a day worker whomCarlos was trying to help. If you have ever seen Vittorio de Sica's"The Bicycle Thief", you will recognize some similarities. Father andson grow closer as they hunt for the thief. Luis sees his father'sthoughtful actions and has trouble processing his calculated methods.The youngster is more about lashing out to show power. It's the onlymethod he has seen at his school. Father knows best comes into playhere.The film is interesting enough and the scenes with both father and sonare exceptional. As a whole, the film seems a bit empty as we reallyonly get glimpses of the desperation and confusion that these two faceevery day - in completely different ways. It's directed by Chris Weitz,who has an unusual resume which includes both "Twilight: New Moon" and"About a Boy". His newest film really just reiterates what we alreadyknow about illegal immigrants. Some are here to milk the system, whileothers are here for 'a better life'.
osilva2010 (23 May 2012)
Heart Felt Movie
This film shows the true colors of an illegal immigrant and afourteen-year-old son. It amazes me how Carlos (the father of Luis) agardener is at completely opposite ends with his son. His son Luisdoesn't understand the hard work he puts in everyday for him to have abetter life. Not only is this film centered on Carlos and Luis'srelationship but we also see the struggles immigrants and regularpeople have on the everyday basis.Director Chris Weitz made sure to personify the everyday problems a dadand a son have. It also goes beyond the fact that there Latino & howLuis is slowing dragging himself into a gang. Luis's dad isn't there tolecture his son every time he does something done but tries to providehim with the best things he can. I was totally struck by this moviebecause both Latinos and immigrant parents can relate to thissituation. There are various dynamics to think about such as why doesLuis decide to visit his dad at a holding jail instead of going withhis friends/gang? As the film progresses we see a change in Luis'sattitude where he reflects towards the fact that he couldn't ask for abetter dad. There are many fathers out there but only a few areresponsible with their kids; however, even through the bad & goodmoments they are there to protect their kids. No matter what a son ordaughter does to you; your immense love for them comes through andyou'll fight through anything to provide a better life for them.
med77_99 (23 May 2012)
An eye opener
the story in short is that of an illegal immigrant named CarlosGalindo, played by Demian Bichir who is trying to make a living for himand his son, played by Jose Julian in the tough streets of Los Angeles.Desperate to have a better life, Carlos decides to take a debt, a loanto buy a truck to make a better business, but without having the legalpapers and driver's license, he is caught in a dilemma between making adecent living and avoiding deportation.to avoid spoiling any more of the plot, i will stop here.the movie was very good, definitely enjoyable. the story is verytouching and engaging. i never felt bored. the plot moved in a verysteady pace.the characters were interesting, and the acting was pretty good, Bichiractually delivered a solid performance. i really felt connected to thecharacters.the best thing about the movie, is the story as it was a window to thelives of the poor, their struggling and motivation for a better life.it was certainly an eye opener of the blessings that most of us have.It is a surprise to me how a very good movie like this don't get a widetheatrical release. but anyways, if it is playing near you, i highlyrecommend this.
mikechinea (14 May 2012)
Heartfelf and real.
I like how Chris Weitz kept the focus on the characters and avoided theusual politics of the subject matter. This movie kept the audienceriveted to the screen without resorting to usual polemics found insimilar subject films. Personally I think this movie is closer to "ElNorte" than "The Bicycle Thief", maybe a mix of the two but stillauthentic. Superb performances by most of the cast including DemianBichir as Carlos Galindo, newcomer Jose Julian as Luis Galindo, JoaquinCosio as Blasco, Bobby Soto as Luis' friend. Richard Cabral, JasonMedwin and Tom Schanleys played very believable, three dimension roles.Eric Eason and Chris Weitz did a great job on balancing keeping it realand entertaining at the same time. Carlos, a Mexican gardener in theUnited States illegally doing all he can trying to single handed raisea son in a vulnerable age at a vulnerable time. If you are looking fora warm and heart felt movie without the overblown melodramas then thisis a most see.
jakeyog (13 May 2012)
Oscar
I am a fan of the movies, i have seen all movie genres, i wasimpressive when i saw this movie, is Drama real life biography , greathistory , change the way you see the world, i will recommend this movieto all the public , it is a very good movie... The main actor is DemianBichir, he tell us the hard of life he has to live in California, heact as a father that has to work for his son that is in high school,Damian's wife was dead , so he es the father and mother in the house,sad movie because is real life that is happening in this life that isstranger to understand ..... c o o lm o v i e
Fatima Tobar (12 May 2012)
A Better Life short Review and Personal Thoughts
The film "A better life" had a very interesting and touching storyline.What caught my attention the most was the relationship between thefather and his son. It was very hard for the son to accept andunderstand his father's customs/traditions. I bet it had been hard forthe father to put up with his son's attitude and views and being asingle father at the same time. There is a lot of struggles andobstacles that people face in life, but we as people can do the best wecan to help others have a better life so they won't have to go througha life with limited resources. Also, no matter the stereotypes a personfaces you should never turn your backs on your traditions/cultures andmore important your family.
red_identity (12 May 2012)
Very effective
A Better Life is a pretty standard story. In fact, it's plot has somecontrivances that I wish it didn't, and it doesn't feel as smooth as Iwish, but for all of it's writing flaws, it still made me completelyempathize for these characters. I connected with them in part because Iknow too much of the hardships of these kinds of people. My parentshave had similar obstacles to overcome as well, and living not too faraway from the area shown in this film, I know what it can be like. Thisis a good film, but then there's Demian Bichir. This never once feels like acting, and it wasn't until the final scenebetween Bichir and his son that I realized how effective this film hadbeen. In that final scene, I actually let out tears. For the firsttime, the writing didn't feel contrived, or the dialogue weak. It allcame together for Bichir, and in that final scene you break down withhim. It is one of the best acted scenes of the year, and one of themost effective. It isn't until that final scene that you realize howmuch he has lured you in to his inner feelings, and how much he hasmade you care. It all sounds cheesy, and many times the film is, butthat final scene between father and son is the only scene from 2011that actually made me weep like a child. Powerful performance byBichir, and completely deserved his nomination. I also want to mentionthat Jose Julian is also quite effective.
Robert W. (10 May 2012)
Lovely and heart wrenching story, a worthy drama
I went into this film blindly having no idea what it was about. It wasa really touching and riveting film about a father's love for hisson...its that simple. Some will say it supporting illegal immigrationand doesn't deal with that issue but simply put who cares! This isabout love and family and survival in the often cruel world. It is darkand no holds barred and doesn't pretend to be sunny and happy, in factsome might say the title is ironic but it really will leave you with asoft warm feeling when its all done and said.Demián Bichir is truly excellent as the struggling father. He carriesthis film flawlessly and is truly the heart and soul of A Better Life.Not to be outdone his son is played by José Julián and he is alsoreally good. He plays the teenager struggling in the streets to staygood and deal with feelings of poverty and his upbringing and hisfather but all is done in a way where you don't resent him even whenhe's perhaps ungrateful the way many of us are or were as teenagers.Director Chris Weitz has had an odd mix of past experience from aTwilight film (New Moon) to About A Boy, but he clearly wants to tell apowerful story. I do think that Weitz maybe doesn't have quite thetalent to really knock this one out of the park the way a director whoreally knows his way around a drama might have but its still anexcellent film that won't disappoint you. The morals are clear, thedirection is good, the performances are solid, all around entertainingand endearing. 8/10
Damion J. Rowan (10 May 2012)
Very well done.....for a Lifetime movie.
Honestly, I am not sure what to say about this film. Demian Bachir,best known for his role on "Weeds," received a completely unexpectedOscar nomination for his role as Carlos, a Mexican single father,gardener, and illegal immigrant in Los Angeles who does all he can togive him and his fourteen-year old son...you guessed it...a betterlife.Not being very familiar with the situation of illegal immigrants inCalifornia, I would like to say that this seemed like a very genuineportrayal of the hardships that some of these men and women go through,but my assumption may or may not be an overstep. I cannot deny I wastouched very much by this film even though I felt some what manipulatedat times. It came across more like a Lifetime movie than a Hollywoodrelease. However, if the film's point was to give an emotional side tothe question and plight of illegal immigrants who are just trying to dogood, it succeeded.As for Bachir's Oscar nomination, I am not all together convinced it isdeserving. I am in no way trying to take anything away from what isdefinitely a solid, almost heartbreaking performance but a handsomeactor who, no doubt, has a bright future ahead of him in Hollywood, butI cannot help but think it just was not quite up to standard to havereceived such an honour and that the performance was nominated forpolitical reasons rather than artistic ones."A Better Life" could have been a better movie, but in terms of themessage it attempts to make, it is acknowledged, loud and clear.
sakasegawa (09 May 2012)
true heartbreaker
I've seen a lot of movies in my time but this has to top the charts asone of my most heartfelt movies. "A Better Life" directed by ChrisWeitz follows Carlos Galindo a single father trying to provide for hisyouthful son Luis who is slowly breaking away from family values andquickly becoming a little gangster but as the movie progresses Luissee's past the gang and sides with his father. Once Luis decides thatfamily is most important however his father is quickly torn from himwhen he is caught by authorities and deported which was hard to watchknowing that Luis finally broke his shell and became close to hisfather. This movie truly struck a cord in my heart and although I cantempathize with Luis I can definitely sympathize and feel for him.
Britinmiami (09 May 2012)
Very Touching Movie
This movie was very touching and will make you feel very sad... Well ifyou have a heart it will! The acting is top notch and the relationshipbetween the two male leads was very believable. The movie gives you areal look inside of the lives of Mexican immigrants and how hard theirlives are.The movie moves all around LA and is seen through the eyes of a MexicanImmigrant worker as he looks out on the lives of the diverse community.The pace of the movie is good and you keeps you interested. The storyis well written and has some interesting twits and turns.The movie keeps away from the usual stereotypical themes and does notshow unnecessary violence. Overall great performances all around.
brocksilvey (08 May 2012)
Too Much Earnestness Is a Bad Thing
Just because a film is earnest and has its heart in the right placedoesn't mean that it's inherently good, and sadly, that is the casewith "A Better Life." Though on second thought, maybe the film's not very good because it'sTOO earnest, in the style of a made-for-T.V. movie you might find onone of those middle-tier cable channels like Hallmark or Lifetime.Demian Bichir dutifully hits all of his marks as an immigrantstruggling to eke out a life for himself and his son by working as agardener for the affluent of L.A. But his performance isn't the kindthat lingers, and he wasn't compelling enough to make me really careall that much about his character or the greater injustice for whichhis character is a stand in. Things aren't helped at all by the factthat the actor who plays his adolescent son, and whom he's tryingdesperately to keep out of L.A.'s gang scene, just isn't very good.Pass this one by and you won't be missing much.Grade: C
asweetmargarita (08 May 2012)
Renewed Respect
For all the hope and hard work that goes into parenthood this moviewill give you renewed respect for your parent(s) and for parents. Thisis truly a GOOD story that makes one realize just what a "better" lifeis all about. Simply being able to be a good person, who makes anhonest living and works for what they have regardless of thecircumstances they live with. Another aspect of this movie that is timely is the attention that isgiven to illegal immigrants in the U.S. Just when you forget how goodit is to be here legally, this movie will remind you. There are issuesconfronted in this movie that challenge widely held views of people whoreally want to be here and will do anything to get here and make themost out of being here. I'm not saying what is right or wrong, I amsimply stating this movie, if you allow it, will give you anopportunity to gain respect and a level of understanding for the peoplewho come here illegally and make a life for themselves at any risk. The bond built between parent and child, the life lessons learned, thetenacity of the human spirit and the faith that a better life ispossible is what the characters leave us with. Go see this movie andtake a friend.
billcr12 (07 May 2012)
Average immigrant story
A middle of the road struggling immigrant story which has been beforewith much better results.But still worthy for some very good performances by Demian Bechir asCarlos Santiago, a single undocumented Mexican father trying to raisehis son Luis(Jose Julian) while working as a landscaper in Los Angeles.Carlo's employer sells him his truck so that he cane be his own bossand live the American dream.When the truck is stolen, his dream turns into a nightmare.Along the way, while trying to recover the truck, we get some gangmembers, seemingly from "West Side Story" the sharks and the jets inmodern L.A. A rodeo is thrown into the mix for sentimental father-sonmoments and a weepy final scene bring this drama to an end.The music is above average but the script is weak. The director's heartis in the right place, but for a similar theme try "Sin Nombre" or "TheVisitor."
Clayton Davis (07 May 2012)
Demian Bichir is OUTSTANDING (***½)
Chris Weitz had a breakthrough in a big way in 2002â²s indie dramedyAbout a Boy, which he received an Academy Award nomination for AdaptedScreenplay. Since then, he's struggled in directorial choices such asThe Golden Compass (2007) and The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) andhasn't capitalized on the promise once thought of him. What Weitz hasdelivered in his newest film, A Better Life, assisted by a passionateperformance by Demián Bichir is one of the most compelling andemotional films of the year. The film tells the story of Carlos(Bichir), an illegal Mexican immigrant just trying to make ends meetfor him and his fourteen year old son Luis (José Julián). While Carlosstruggles and shows constant compassion for the human race, Luis hasbeen struggling with school and the temptation of joining a local LosAngeles gang. The constant fear of deportation is on Carlos' mind ashis limitations in job choices and transportation starts weighing inheavily. The film is an exposé of the United States' immigrationproblems that has resonated for decades, although, Weitz brings a freshand fervent touch on the sensitive subject matter. The film's beautifulsimplicity is carried massively on the work of Demián Bichir, instantlyand surely one of the best performances seen in 2011. Bichir doesn'tflinch, hiccup, or lose any sight of Carlos. He breathes new life intowhat could easily be stereotypical and bland characterization yet,attacks the role with heart and soul like some of the great actors offilm history. In a flawless realization of polished and proficientdepiction, Bichir maneuvers through the story slick, sensitive, andenduring and at your most vulnerable point, pounces on yourheartstrings. It's the best dedication to the acting form seen in 2011thus far. Oscar, please notice. José Julián delivers one of theimpressive breakthrough performances by a child actor this year yet.Luis' balance to Carlos' story succeeds solely on Julián's shoulders.As a confused adolescent, fighting to be accepted by his peers alongwith the demons of his past, Julián inhabits the pain of a childbrilliantly. It gives hope to the future of acting when a performancelike Julián's is witnessed at such a young age. While the dialogueisn't the compelling take of exchanging, especially between the othersupporting players, writers Eric Eason and Roger L. Simon attempt asubject matter that raises plenty of debate and question and leaves itto the viewer's interpretation. The film is directed extremely well andpaced superbly. Alexandre Desplat's score is stamped remarkably as anadded topping on the sweet tale. The film is a must- see for any loverof the movies. The film captures raw emotion and places it in a bottledistributing ounce by ounce until your heart is filled to the brim.It's a character study of epic proportions that inhabits a deeplymoving story that may seem familiar but not at all accustomed.Read more reviews at The Awards Circuit @ awardscircuit(dot)com
rainbow23 (06 May 2012)
Loved it!
I am not a critic just a lover of movies. This movie almost lost me.Then I kept watching. I usually get bored in the first 10 min. This 1 ikept watching because i knew there was something better to come. I keptwatching and fell in love with the father character. Throughout themovie, he is better than you can ever be. Looking out for his onlychild. His character makes you want to cry. All he does is good and itdoesn't work out exactly ass he had planned. This movie is a 10/10. Iloved it. Thia is a very very good movie. Sry pple it says i need morelines. If u like this maybe you will like crazy/beautiful. I must saytho this is way better. If you can not speak Spanish. It may be hard.Just dl the copy with subs. Once again great movie. The father is hot.but i have a thing for older men. lol.
uttiyo-sarkar56 (06 May 2012)
One Of The Better Films of 2011.
A Very Good And Very Well Acted Film through an very good performancefrom Demian Bichir and also the other actors in the cast, along withgood direction, cinematography, a very good and realistic story, and avery good background score makes this a movie worth watching.The Story is about a gardener named Carlos Galindo(Demian) who is anillegal immigrant in East LA tries to give his son(Jose) a better lifeby giving him a good education and trying to keep him away from gangs,drugs etc. And then he buys a truck to start a business of his own, butwhen its stolen, he and his son go on a journey to find it back, andtheir father-son relationship getting better in the process, also withthe son getting to know the hardships which his father and people likehim have to face in their daily lives.Demian Bichir portrays Carlos perfectly and he becomes the character inthe movie, top marks to him for portraying this character perfectly.Jose Julian portrays Luis Galindo(who is the son of Carlos) very welland the change of his character is fittingly shown in the movie,and thechemistry between him and Bichir is superb, and you feel sometimes thatthey really are father and son in their real life. The Rest of the casthas also done their roles well.The Director Chris Weitz(director of American Pie) does a very good jobin making this film, helping the cast and specially the main charactersadapt to their roles and also looking into the other parts of the filmvery well to make into a very good movie.The Story of the movie is very good and realistic, and full marks tothe director for utilizing this intense and heartfelt story very well.The Cinematography in the movie is also good with some of the scenesshown of LA being breathtaking. The Soundtrack is also superb due to anexcellent work from Alexandre Desplat, also giving some Spanish songsin between the movie.Finally, this is a really good movie with a good story and directionand a great performance by Demian to make this into one of the betterfilms of 2011.My Rating: 7.5/10
jimmytimmy1 (05 May 2012)
Film 7 - User Comment for "A Better Life"
I very much liked "A Better Life". Myself being an immigrant who grewup in the United States and raised by a single immigrant mother borewitness of the difficulties that the characters of Carlos Galindo andhis son Luis Galindo had to bear as a part of their immigrantexperience while trying to create a better future for themselves. "ABetter Life" is a touching portrayal of a hard-working gardener fatherwho despite living in a poor neighborhood never deviates from the realreason he decided to come to the States  to live a better life thanwhat he felt would be awaiting himself and his son in Mexico. "A BetterLife" shows how when a parent raises their child with care and love,the child will usually not stray off into a life of crime and violencebut will act on his own better judgment in life and will return thatcare and love to his/her parents because that is also what the childhas been raised with  love and care. 'A Better Life" showed how far aparent will go to create the best possible situation for his/her child,even if it means sleeping on the couch to allow the child to be morecomfortable on the bed  as Carlos did for his son Luis.
dreamalladream (04 May 2012)
We appreciate through the eyes of a gardener.
I was lucky enough to see this film as a campus screening with Q&A fromthe director. One of the scenes mentioned was when Carlos climbs thepalm tree and pauses to look out over the bay. The director Chris Weitzreferred to this shot as beautiful eye candy. I couldn't put my fingeron it at that moment but that shot seemed so much more to me. Afterthinking about it for a while I decided that one shot pretty muchsummed up Carlo's feelings and how he views America. You see, beingborn in this country we sometimes take it for granted. We are to busygoing about our lives to notice little things. In that one moment, weslow down and appreciate through the eyes of a simple gardener.
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