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Under the Same Moon Review

Release Date: Mar 19, 2008
Rated: some mature thematic elements
Runtime: 1 hr. 49 min.
Genres: Art House/Foreign, Drama
Director:Patricia Riggen
Cast:Adrian Alonso, Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, Maya Zapata, Carmen Salinas. Full cast + crew

Movies.com Critics

3.5

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… one-note and manipulative … Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

3.0

59

out of 100

Metascore^®
Mixed or average reviews
based on a weighted average of all
critic review scores.
40

out of 100

The New York Times Jeannette Catsoulis
This is screenwriting by numbers. Unlike, say, Ken Loach's marvelous "Bread and Roses," Under the Same Moon is too busy sanctifying its protagonists and prodding our tear ducts to say anything remotely novel about immigration policies or their helpless victims.

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50

out of 100

Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan
This largely Spanish-language film brings on the waterworks because its core story is undeniably affecting. The whole movie, however, would be more convincing if the elements around that vital core were more multidimensional and less contrived.

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50

out of 100

Variety Justin Chang
Wrapping the political hot potato of illegal immigration in the sentimental balm of a mother-son reunion drama, this stirring tale will be embraced most enthusiastically by Mexican audiences on both sides of the border.

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50

out of 100

Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern
Under the Same Moon comes most vividly to life when Adrian Alonso is on the screen.

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75

out of 100

USA Today Claudia Puig
A powerful and evocative account of the efforts undertaken to forge a perilous mother-and-child reunion. Told in Spanish with English subtitles, it is a moving tale of yearning, as well as unflagging courage and determination.

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75

out of 100

ReelViews James Berardinelli
The strong final third counterbalances the weaknesses of the first half. I prefer films that build to something worthwhile rather than collapse short of the finish line.

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91

out of 100

Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman
The film says that the U.S. immigrant situation is untenable, but then it forces US to ask: What should be done?

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See all Under the Same Moon reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 14+

Emotional immigration drama has mature themes.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this drama has some mature and emotionally difficult themes. It revolves around a young boy who must deal with his grandmother's (peaceful) death and an illegal border crossing between Mexico and the United States. There are some brief images of obvious prostitutes, an abusive pimp, and a twitchy junkie. Expect some mild (though potentially upsetting) violence in the form of chases and rough takedowns by INS agents and local L.A. police. The central boy is also threatened by bullies, thieves, and a child trafficker. Mostly mild language, though "s--t" is used.

Families can talk about how the movie portrays the plight of illegal immigrants in the United States. Do you think the movie is trying to make a specific point about the issue? If so, what is it? Is it OK that Carlitos and his mother are both breaking American laws? Why or why not?

The good stuff

Messages: Mexicans cross into the U.S. illegally to escape economic hardship; Caucasian Americans are repeatedly selfish and cruel; a little boy is alternately aided by good-hearted adults and hassled by bullies or thieves.

What to watch for

Violence: Harrowing images of border crossing. Border guards chase illegal immigrants; INS authorities chase and grab illegal workers; a policeman beats an apparent criminal. Police drag away Enrique, pushing him against the cruiser and handcuffing him roughly. A child finds his grandmother dead in her bed and is very sad.
Sex: Several women wear sundresses or close-fitting tops that show cleavage. A pimp appears on the sidewalk with prostitutes (they wear skimpy outfits and high heels).
Language: Words include "s--t" (with "bull-"), "hell," "son of a bitch," and "damn."
Consumerism: Brands include PopTarts, Walkman.
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Cigarette smoking. A junkie character's arms show track marks, indicating past drug use. Bullies drink beer.

Common Sense Media

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.7

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