A Better Life

A Better Life

Year: 2011

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Chris Weitz

Drama

Filmmaker Chris Johnson sets out on a global journey to explore the essence of a meaningful life. He travels the world, interviewing people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, seeking to understand what truly brings them joy and gives their lives purpose. Through his experiences and the stories he gathers, Johnson examines universal themes of happiness, connection, and the search for fulfillment.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Better Life (2011)

Trace every key event in A Better Life (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Carlos Begins His Day

The story opens with Carlos Galindo starting a new day, ready to work alongside his colleague Blasco Martinez. This marks the beginning of his journey as he contemplates buying Blasco's gardening business in a bid for stability and financial security.

2

Luis Faces High School Challenges

Luis, Carlos's teenage son, is grappling with the challenges of high school life. His relationship with Ruthie Valdez, the niece of a notorious gang leader, complicates his situation as he is drawn into a world filled with danger and peer pressure.

High School
3

Influence of Ruthie

Despite Ruthie's genuine feelings for Luis, her connection to gang culture begins to pull him in the wrong direction. Luis struggles with his identity and the influence of his peers, which creates a rift between him and his father, Carlos.

4

Seeking Financial Help

In an attempt to secure a better future for himself and his son, Carlos approaches his sister, Anna, for financial assistance. Anna's willingness to help comes with the emotional weight of using her daughter's education fund, highlighting family expectations and sacrifices.

5

Hiring Santiago

Carlos decides to hire a worker named Santiago to assist him with his gardening business. This decision symbolizes Carlos's hope for growth and support, yet it sets the stage for unforeseen complications.

6

Betrayal by Santiago

On Santiago's very first day, he betrays Carlos by stealing the work truck. This unexpected twist forces Carlos and Luis into a chaotic chase through their neighborhood, showcasing their determination to reclaim what is lost.

Neighborhood
7

Encounter at the Rodeo

During their frantic search for Santiago, Carlos and Luis encounter a rodeo. This meeting serves as a backdrop for deeper conversations about their culture, family, and personal dreams, reflecting on their relationship amid the chaos.

Rodeo
8

Luis Confronts His Anger

As tensions rise during the search for Santiago, Luis's pent-up anger surfaces. This confrontation not only reveals his frustrations with his father's struggles but also allows for significant emotional revelations between them.

9

Carlos's Arrest

Their efforts to reclaim the stolen truck lead to a dramatic twist when Carlos is arrested as an undocumented immigrant. This event highlights the harsh realities they face and the sacrifices Carlos made for his family's better future.

Police Station
10

Heartfelt Apology

In a heartfelt conversation at the prison, Carlos apologizes to Luis for his absence in his life. This moment of vulnerability strengthens their bond as they both share their dreams and aspirations for the future.

Prison
11

Symbol of Sacrifice

As the film nears its conclusion, Luis watches a soccer game, which symbolizes his father's sacrifices and hopes. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the familial bonds and aspirations that define their lives.

Soccer Field
12

Carlos's New Journey

The film ends with Carlos preparing to embark on a treacherous journey in pursuit of a better life for his family. His determination to improve their circumstances is encapsulated in the final line, 'Vamos a la casa' - 'Let's go home'.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 14:02

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A Better Life Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Better Life, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Better Life Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Better Life

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Better Life

More About A Better Life

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