“A Better Life” film shows the true-life struggles of illegal immigrants

The film A Better Life, released this past July, was over 20 years in the making. It tells the story of a gardener whose truck- and his livelihood- were stolen. As an undocumented immigrant, he could not report the theft to the police for fear of being deported.

The film, which explores the struggles of illegal immigrants to the United States, specifically Los Angeles, had difficulty being picked up by production companies, who were wary of such a controversial film. A Better Life, however, does not take political sides in the debate, but instead focuses on the relationships between characters and the lives they lead in America.

Director Chris Weitz says the film focuses on people who are often “invisible” in real life- people afraid to be anything else for fear of authorities. In filming A Better Life, Weitz aimed to portray this story with empathy, giving a voice to those often unable to tell their story themselves.

For more information, see the official trailer for the film, or click here for an article by USAToday.

Have you seen A Better Life? Leave a comment and let us know!