A Better Life
Seen it?2011 | 98 min | Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 38 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
An Indigenous Latino American 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 SAG Award and 1 Independent Spirit Award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide on a $10 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 49K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Chris Weitz
- Demián BichirCarlos Riquelme
- José JuliánLuis Galindo
- Chelsea RendonRuthie Valdez
- Dolores HerediaAnita
- Joaquín CosíoBlasco Martinez
- Carlos LinaresSantiago
- Bobby SotoFacundo
- Nancy LenehanMrs. Donnely
- Gabriel ChavarriaRamon
- Tim GriffinCharlie