Under the Same Moon
In theaters March 9th 2008 (Limited)
some mature thematic elements
Run Time: 109
Matt's rating - 4 out of 5
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Review by Matt Mungle
Under the Same Moon is a film that everyone will be
talking about come next years award season. Like
most foreign language films, and especially
independent foreign language films, this one will be
passed over by many. But to miss it is to miss one of
the most beautifully told stories to come from any
language in a long time. It is a love story that beats in
the heart of us all. The love between a parent and
child. All of us have been at least one of those if not
both so it is immediately relatable on the human level.
It is pure magic when a film can have you crying one
moment and then laughing hysterically the next
minute. Both emotions are prevalent in this film and
combine for a moving theater experience.
La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon) finds Rosario
(Kate del Castillo) as a single mother working in
California while her 10 year old son Carlitos (Adrian
Alonso) remains in Mexico with his grandmother. This
arrangement has gone on for several years and is
very emotional for both parties. When the grandmother
passes away young Carlitos heads off on his own to
find his mother in the United States. He must use
wisdom and resources far beyond his years in order
to complete his journey. The mixture of humor and
tension fuel this film from start to finish. You want so
much for this lovable youngster to find his mom that
you are emotionally involved the entire time.
To make a film like this even remotely decent there
has to be a strong child in the lead role. I have seen
so many films fail miserably due to young people who
simply can not act. Thankfully Adrian Alonso comes
across like a seasoned actor in an 11 year old body.
He is amazing on film. When he has to be tender or
tough or funny, it never comes across as rehearsed or
stale. It is spot on perfect every time. You forget that he
is simply speaking lines from a script since it is so
personal and real.
Likewise Katie del Castillo, who I am told is like the
Jennifer Anniston of Mexico, is also brilliant. She
expertly conveys the struggle a mom would go through
who is dealing with separation from her child and the
guilt and emotion that goes along with that. There are
other characters sprinkled in along the way that bring
both humor and Mexican culture to the film rounding
off a perfect ensemble cast.
Due to the plot of the film, La Misma Luna revolves
around the issue of illegal immigration. But it does so
without being political or agenda motivated. This is a
story of a mother and son that crosses all cultural and
economic boundaries. This one just so happens to be
about a boy from Mexico. Though while not intending,
it does a grand job of showing the struggle and
prejudices of both borders. You get a look at what both
sides face in this ongoing issue. It was interesting to
see these played out in a film that was not just about
that which made the facts subtle and poignant.
La Misma Luna is rated PG-13 for some mature
thematic elements. I found nothing in this film that
would be offensive to most over the age of 11. I think
Calitos would be intriguing to many preteen boys as
he goes off on this adventure. Though the subtitles
and the theme of death and separation may be a little
adult, no one knows their child better than you, so
make your call. And please do not let the foreign
language deter you from seeing this beautiful film. It is
an amazing achievement for the indie film world and a
reminder of why the cinema can be so enchanting. I
give it 4 out of 5 un-air conditioned bus rides!
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Mungleshow Productions
Matt Mungle
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