Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna)
Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna)
With millions of families living separated by strict immigration laws in the United States, the story of Rosario and her son Carlitos resonates as a testament to the courage and determination of countless families seeking a better life for themselves.
Under the Same Moon tells the story of Rosario, an undocumented Mexican immigrant working in the United States with the hope of giving her son, Carlitos, a better life, while leaving him under the care of his grandmother. Being apart from her son leaves her heartbroken, and Carlitos misses her just as much, ever hopeful that she will return to Mexico to be with him. When all hope for a reunion in Mexico is lost, circumstances force Rosario and Carlos to each embark on their own journeys in a desperate attempt to reunite. Along the way they meet many people, both benevolent and ill intended, and learn just how challenging it is to be alone and ever watchful for the authorities. They frequently have no choice but to rely on the kindness and mercy of strangers. Despite crises of faith in their choices, Carlitos and Rosario manage to never give up hope.
While the story is not based on one actual event, there are thousands of similar stories on either side of the border between any countries with disproportionate access to resources, such as the United States and Mexico. This tale of the determination and bravery of one immigrant woman resonates among the Mexican American community in the United States, and is frequently hailed as a film that gives a compassionate, respectful portrayal of the undocumented immigrant experience.
Cultural Significance
La Misma Luna is a new Mexican-American classic, told from the point of view of the immigrants themselves. Written and directed by Mexicans living in the US, it stays true to the spirit of these people—portraying them in a positive light and digging deep into their conflicts, always with understanding and respect, rather than as objects of pity or criminals, as they are usually portrayed in films. With millions of families living separated by strict immigration laws in the United States, the story of Rosario and her son Carlitos resonates within the US Latino community as a testament to the courage and determination of countless families seeking a better life for themselves. —Patricia Riggen
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