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A Better Life (2011)

PG-13  |   |  Drama  |  28 July 2011 (Thailand)
7.2
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Ratings: 7.2/10 from 12,618 users   Metascore: 64/100
Reviews: 80 user | 93 critic | 30 from Metacritic.com

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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Writers:

(screenplay), (story)
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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 6 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo
...
Blasco Martinez
...
...
Mrs. Donnelley
...
Ramon
...
Facundo
...
Ruthie Valdez
...
School Security Officer
...
Juvie Officer
...
School Secretary
...
Anita
...
Linda
...
Santiago
...
Truck Driver
Edit

Storyline

Carlos Galindo is a decent man, a Mexican single parent working as a gardener in California to raise Luis,his fourteen-year-old son,whom Carlos is frightened will drift into local gang culture. Carlos buys a truck for his work with money loaned by his sister but a shifty new employee steals it from him and,though Carlos and Luis track the thief down,he has sold the truck. Father and son bond as they reclaim the vehicle from the pound but Carlos attracts police attention,making his future in America uncertain when it is discovered that he is an illegal immigrant. Written by don @ minifie-1

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

gang | truck | gardener | police | money | See All (243) »

Taglines:

Every father wants more for his son

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violence, language and brief drug use | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

|

Release Date:

28 July 2011 (Thailand)  »

Also Known As:

The Gardener  »

Filming Locations:


Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$62,087 (USA) (24 June 2011)

Gross:

$1,754,319 (USA) (26 August 2011)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

|

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Bichir was nominated for Best Actor for the 2012 Oscars. See more »

Goofs

At 21:10, the size and shape of the bread that Santiago is giving to Carlos Galindo is different from different angles. See more »

Quotes

Carlos Galindo: This truck is my only chance to grow this into something big. So we can move out of here and get you in a better school.
See more »

Connections

Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #1.23 (2011) See more »

Soundtracks

Los Bajamos
Written by Neiver a. Alvarez (as Neiver A. Alvarez), Jesus A. Perez-Alvarez and Daniel Indart
Performed by Proyecto TQ
Courtesy of Latin Music Specialists
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

anyone who likes "real' life movies must go see A Better Life!
19 August 2011 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

My husband and I went to see this film. I lived in Whittier for 25 years - So. CA. since the 50's and went to L.A. many times and had friends who lived difficult lives such as this. We thought the movie was wonderful and very "real"! I loved how Dad and son related.

I'm a pretty simple person and like to watch nice movies - I am definitely going to watch this movie again!!

The only thing I would change is to make sure I bring a box of Kleenex! I was so moved and hurt I couldn't leave the theater for at least 5 minutes!

Go see this movie - especially if you like true to life movies - it's inspiring & loving.

God bless everyone who experiences life this way. This movie inspired me to start praying for all who are in situations like these ones!


22 of 29 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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