A Better Life 2011

A Better Life follows the life of Carlos Galindo, portrayed by Demián Bichir, as he starts a new day working alongside his colleague Blasco Martinez, whose desire to return to Mexico leads him to encourage Carlos to buy his gardening business. Carlos is not only focused on his work; he is also concerned about his teenage son, Luis (José Julián), who is navigating the tumultuous world of high school while dating Ruthie Valdez, the niece of a notorious gang leader. Despite Ruthie’s genuine affection for Luis, her influence draws him into a dangerous lifestyle rife with gang violence.

Tensions rise as Luis grapples with his feelings towards his father and his aspirations for education, all while feeling embarrassed by Carlos’s struggles. This internal conflict is exacerbated by peer pressure from his friends, particularly Facundo, who is eager to join the local gang. In a bid to improve their lives, Carlos seeks financial help from his sister Anna (played by Dolores Heredia) to purchase his business, but as she provides him with her daughter’s education fund, Carlos is faced with the weight of not only his ambitions but also family expectations.

When tasked with hiring help, Carlos recruits a worker named Santiago but faces betrayal as Santiago steals the work truck on the very first day. This forces Carlos and Luis on a frantic journey through their neighborhood to track down Santiago, including a chance encounter at a rodeo where deeper conversations about culture, family, and longing arise. As they chase Santiago, Luis’s anger boils to the surface, leading to a confrontation that ends with a realization of each other’s hopes and dreams.

Their struggles culminate in a dramatic turn of events when Carlos is arrested as an undocumented immigrant, just as they manage to reclaim the stolen truck. In a heartfelt moment at the prison, Carlos apologizes to Luis for not being present, prompting a touching exchange that solidifies their bond. The film concludes with Luis watching a soccer game, symbolizing his father’s sacrifices and hopes for a brighter future, while Carlos prepares to embark on a treacherous journey in search of a better life. The final moments resonate with the poignant line: > “Vamos a la casa” - “Let’s go home,” epitomizing Carlos’s unyielding commitment to his family and their shared dream.