A Better Life
In ”A Better Life”, Carlos, an illegal Mexican immigrant, works as a gardener for Blasco, a rich Los Angeles resident. However, Carlos lives from hand to mouth due to low wages. He was left by his wife some years ago, hence hi raises his son Luis as a single parent. As a single parent, Carlos tries very hard to make his son happy. He even goes to the extent of giving his son the only single room and decides to sleep on the couch. Carlos has a great desire and zeal to better his family life. Thinking of improving his son’s future, he borrows money from his sister to buy a truck. However, he realizes that he doesn’t have a driver’s license, hence operating without a license would lead his arrest and deportation since he is an illegal immigrant. Carlos then meets with a stranger, Santiago, whom he hires to operate the truck. However, Santiago steals the truck and drives away, leaving Carlos confused. Carlos feels like his dream of working hard to better his life has come to an end. However, he doesn’t give up and seeks the help of his son to track the thief. They finally trace the thief in a crowded apartment where illegal immigrants live in poor and terrible conditions. Carlos aims to retrieve the truck and continue chasing the dream of bettering their life. Unfortunately, they find that the truck has already been sold. Among all the illegal immigrants, Carlos has one unique quality that stands out, yearning for a better life. Chris Weitz, the film director, suggests that desire is a great force that makes us go beyond ourselves. It makes us cross borders even without caring about the dangers. It also makes us endure dark nights of the soul when all seems to have been lost.