Under the Same Moon: Review By Rama's SCREEN

I admit, I’m a sucker for movies about immigrants. Not all of them are well made but my opinion is somewhat biased because I’m a supporter of those who come long ways for a chance at a better life. UNDER THE SAME MOON, in my opinion, won my respect. I’m not gonna lie to you, it’s a… tear jerker. It’s meant to be watched by those who come to theaters to watch something and cry. I’m talking about you, ladies. And this movie works! It does its job. A heart-wrenching drama about human struggle and a mother’s love so strong, it can cross any border.

This movie’s got a great cast! The kid from Legend of Zorro proves that he’s not just a child star, he’s an actor with great potential. The directing of Patricia Riggen is subtle yet effective. It may not have a lot of teeth to it, but it works well as a family film that wants to show the harsh depiction of day to day reality without necessarily pushing the envelope.

Some may complain that this is just another political movie that wants to discredit United States and its ways of handling immigration. To each his own I suppose but I beg to differ.

Yes this movie’s storyline might contain some of that message, but the power of the story still lies in the bond between a mother and a son which makes it riveting and keeps the audience focused on what they’re watching.

It is a shame to know that some people out there have it so good, they take it for granted. They have no clue how blessed they are while others work day in and day out just to get enough to put something over their heads for shelter from the cold night. Worse yet, those blessed few all of a sudden think they have the right to look down on those who work hard and honest.

I mean… Why hire an immigrant to be your servant if you’re gonna treat ‘em badly?!

There have been many movies in the past about families torn apart by distance or two loved ones trying to look for each other and filmmakers try to make it look like they cross each other’s path just to get the audiences all upset because the characters are so close and yet so far away.

What makes this movie different is the lines or the dialogue between the characters.

The humor is funny and the sad moments really get you right in the heart.

Often times it does feel like a Telenovela that lasts for more than 90 minutes. But this is one episode I’d watch over and over again.