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IMDbPro

A Better Life

  • 20112011
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 1h 38m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
16K
YOUR RATING
A Better Life (2011)
A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while traveling across town to perform landscaping work for the city's wealthy landowners.
Play trailer2:16
1 Video
50 Photos
DramaRomance
A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give his son the opportunities he never had.A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give his son the opportunities he never had.A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give his son the opportunities he never had.
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
16K
YOUR RATING
    • Chris Weitz
    • Eric Eason(screenplay)
    • Roger L. Simon(story)
  • Stars
    • Demián Bichir
    • José Julián
    • Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo
    • Chris Weitz
    • Eric Eason(screenplay)
    • Roger L. Simon(story)
  • Stars
    • Demián Bichir
    • José Julián
    • Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 94User reviews
    • 92Critic reviews
    • 64Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar

    Videos1

    A Better Life
    Trailer 2:16
    Watch A Better Life

    Photos50

    Chelsea Rendon and Bobby Soto in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir and José Julián in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir and José Julián in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir and José Julián in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir, Chris Weitz, and José Julián in A Better Life (2011)
    Demián Bichir and José Julián in A Better Life (2011)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Demián Bichir
    Demián Bichir
    • Carlos Galindo
    • (as Demian Bichir)
    José Julián
    José Julián
    • Luis Galindo
    Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo
    Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo
    • Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo
    Joaquín Cosio
    Joaquín Cosio
    • Blasco Martinez
    Nancy Lenehan
    Nancy Lenehan
    • Mrs. Donnelley
    Gabriel Chavarria
    Gabriel Chavarria
    • Ramon
    Bobby Soto
    Bobby Soto
    • Facundo
    Chelsea Rendon
    Chelsea Rendon
    • Ruthie Valdez
    Trampas Thompson
    Trampas Thompson
    • School Security Officer
    Tim Griffin
    Tim Griffin
    • Juvie Officer
    Valorie Hubbard
    Valorie Hubbard
    • School Secretary
    Dolores Heredia
    Dolores Heredia
    • Anita
    Isabella Rae Thomas
    Isabella Rae Thomas
    • Linda
    Carlos Linares
    Carlos Linares
    • Santiago
    Robert Peters
    Robert Peters
    • Truck Driver
    Richard Cabral
    Richard Cabral
    • Marcelo Valdez
    Bella Balajadia
    • Bella
    • (as Isabella Balajadia)
    Giselle Nieto
    • Gigi
      • Chris Weitz
      • Eric Eason(screenplay)
      • Roger L. Simon(story)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    The Messenger
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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Director Chris Weitz liked to do all the dangerous scenes in the script before he asked his cast to perform them. A stunt double taught Weitz and Demián Bichir how to climb a palm tree, and although Weitz was first to successfully climb one, Bichir did go on to film all the scenes himself, without a stunt double. Weitz told the audience at a SAG Screening: "That is why in my films there are not many scenes that require stunt doubles".
    • Goofs
      At 21:10, the size and shape of the bread that Santiago is giving to Carlos Galindo is different from different angles.
    • Quotes

      Carlos Galindo: This country is a land of dreams. It can be a hard place, a cruel place. But it's where I work, and I dream of a better place for my son.

    • Connections
      Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #1.23 (2011)
    • Soundtracks
      Rolex
      Written by Thaka Dillo and Cx Kidtronik (as Christopher Davis)
      Performed by Cx Kidtronik (as CX Kidtronik) and Tchaka Diallo
      Courtesy of Tchaka Diallo

    User reviews94

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    anyone who likes "real' life movies must go see A Better Life!
    My husband and I went to see this film. I lived in Whittier for 25 years - So. CA. since the 50's and went to L.A. many times and had friends who lived difficult lives such as this. We thought the movie was wonderful and very "real"! I loved how Dad and son related.

    I'm a pretty simple person and like to watch nice movies - I am definitely going to watch this movie again!!

    The only thing I would change is to make sure I bring a box of Kleenex! I was so moved and hurt I couldn't leave the theater for at least 5 minutes!

    Go see this movie - especially if you like true to life movies - it's inspiring & loving.

    God bless everyone who experiences life this way. This movie inspired me to start praying for all who are in situations like these ones!
    helpful•25
    9
    • cooknwoman-137-295431
    • Aug 19, 2011

    FAQ1

    • What film has 'A Better Life' been compared to?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 28, 2011 (Thailand)
      • United States
      • Official Facebook
      • English
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Wattles Mansion - 1824 N. Curson Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • Summit Entertainment
      • Lime Orchard Productions
      • Witt/Thomas Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • 1 hour 38 minutes
      • Color
      • Dolby Digital
      • DTS

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    By what name was A Better Life (2011) officially released in Canada in English?
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