Combining emotion, heart and a long lost relationship, Under the Same Moon has all the necessary ingredients to make an entertaining film; and luckily for the fans, it comes through with flying colors.
Rosario is a single mother who would do anything to better the life of her son, Carlitos. Years ago she fought back tears as she left him in the care of his grandmother, attempting the daring trip across the border into the United States. Only wishing for the best, Rosario finds herself stuck in an endless job as a cleaning lady in Los Angles and missing out on seeing her son grow up. But when Carlitos' grandmother passes away, he begins the treacherous journey to rejoin his mother.
The best part about this film is its story. Taking a nine year old boy who longs to see his mother and putting him into one of the scariest, most intense situations that anyone could go through, Under the Same Moon earns marks for being both authentic and emotional. However, it was the bond that is shared between a mother and son, even when their separation has been existent for years that made this film so good. The emotions that were created were real, the dilemmas too familiar and the outcome too rare, as the film could have easily been ripped from a current newspaper or magazine headlines.
However, the story could not have been portrayed effectively without some stellar acting from Adrian Alonso and Kate del Castillo as the two halves to the undying bond of a mother and son. Their performances are both priceless as Alonso creates a boy, torn from his mother at a young age, who wants nothing more than to see her face and be reassured of her love for him. On the other side, Castillo brings the pain and suffering that a mother experiences by going through hell for her kids. Her tears are real and her emotions are raw, creating a strong supporting character that helps bring a heart and soul to the film.
Additionally I have to give props to Patricia Riggen, the director of the film. Through her eyes a film is created that not only possesses a lot of heart, soul and determination, but one that also tells a story from the point of view that most are afraid to understand. Her perspective was dead on and the way that she tells a story is so peaceful that you can't help but get caught up in the happenings on screen.
All in all I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Under the Same Moon. However, I do want to say that I didn't realize the depth of my appreciation for the film until long after I had left the theatre. At first I was struck with a position of inner confusion and disbelief as I found myself rooting for a boy who had broken some of the biggest laws in America. But later I realized that it was the story and its characters that I fell in love with, and regardless of my views, the film was smooth and real.
