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After a family tragedy, Carlitos decides to attempt a
surreptitious border crossing to find his mom Rosario, an
undocumented domestic worker. With the aid of a duo of nouveau INS
evaders, Carlitos begins the journey from his small Mexican town to
Los Angeles with a pack on his back, an unfamiliar address pinned to
his shirt and the mental image of his mom’s street corner calling
spot swirling in his head.
In LA, Rosario is oblivious to the dangerous
journey on which Carlitos has embarked. Having entrusted her son to
her elderly mom, Rosario continues to eke out an existence abroad
with the hope of getting her green card and bringing her son to the
United States. And although she fiercely misses her son, Rosario
refuses to comprise her morals when her future in the US is
threatened.
Carlitos’ path to the US is fraught with danger.
But neither cops, nor criminals are any match for the angels that
appear when Carlitos is most in need. Strangers warm to his story
and embrace his journey. Eventually, the 9 year old meets the
world-weary migrant worker, Enrique (Eugenio Derbez in a fine
dramatic performance slightly tinged with humor). But while Enrique
would prefer to ditch the ever-optimistic Carlitos, Enrique is
unable to lose the determined child attached to his hip.
A road film, Same Moon is as much about the
spiritual journeys traversed by its characters as it is about
Carlitos circuitous route across the US/Mexico border. Moreover,
it’s a film with timely political themes that are made ever clearer
by a pointed soundtrack of Latin-infused rhythms.
Peopled with an ensemble cast that leaps off the
screen and into your hearts, Same Moon is lead by wunderkind Adrian
Alonso who delivers an impassioned and endearing performance as
Carlitos. Same Moon is a feel good movie that makes you laugh, cry
and root for Carlitos - the little man with a big heart.
Under the Same Moon also stars Kate Del Castillo
(Trade), America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), Carmen Salinas (Man on Fire)
and Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera).
M
March 2008
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