Under the Same Moon

Under the Same Moon

Year: 2007

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: Spanish

Director: Patricia Riggen

DramaMoving relationship storiesEmotional and touching family dramasTouching and sentimental family storiesPowerful stories of heartbreak and suffering

The love between a mother and son knows no boundaries. The film follows parallel lives: nine‑year‑old Carlitos remains in Mexico under the care of his grandmother, while his mother Rosario crosses into the United States, working illegally to secure a better future. Their longing and determination drive the story.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Under the Same Moon (2007)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Under the Same Moon (2007). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 2000s

The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, capturing the realities of immigrant life during the early 2000s. The timeline is marked by border crossings, police raids, and the constant search for family. Locations across the border and in US cities reflect the era's social and political climate.

Location

Mexico (hometown), El Paso–Juárez border region, Tucson, Los Angeles (East LA)

The action unfolds from a Mexican hometown to major border-crossing sites in the El Paso–Juárez region. Carlitos travels through Tucson and ultimately reaches Los Angeles, with the city’s East LA area serving as a key backdrop. The payphone and street corners anchor the locations, underscoring the distance yet persistent connection between mother and son.

🌆 Border towns 🗺️ Cross-border locales 🏙️ LA urban landscape

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:30

Main Characters – Under the Same Moon (2007)

Meet the key characters of Under the Same Moon (2007), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Carlos 'Carlitos' Reyes (Adrian Alonso)

Carlos, known as Carlitos, is a resourceful and courageous nine-year-old boy who embarks on a dangerous journey to find his mother. He navigates a world of strangers, poverty, and uncertainty with surprising ingenuity and a strong sense of responsibility for his family. His optimism and quick thinking keep him moving forward despite setbacks.

🎒 Adventurer 💪 Courage 👨‍👦 Family

Rosario (Kate del Castillo)

Rosario is a single mother who left her son in Mexico so she can send for him from the United States. She battles racism and economic hardship while trying to secure a future for her child. Her determination to reunite with Carlitos drives much of the story.

👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood 🗺️ Immigration 💪 Determination

Enrique (Eugenio Derbez)

Enrique is a reluctant ally who initially helps Carlitos survive the journey. Over time he forms a protective bond with the boy, choosing to assist him despite initial hesitation. His actions reveal that trust and care can emerge even between strangers.

🤝 Friendship 🧭 Trust 💪 Protection

Mamá Chito (Norma Pablo)

Mamá Chito acts as Carlitos's caregiver in his Mexican hometown, providing love and stability after his mother's departure. Her sudden death on Carlitos's birthday becomes a pivotal moment that deepens his resolve. She embodies the familial bonds that underpin the film's emotional core.

👵 Family 💖 Caregiving 🕊️ Loss

Oscar Aguilar Pons (Ernesto D'Alessio)

Oscar Aguilar Pons is Carlitos's estranged father whom he seeks for support. He promises help but ultimately abandons Carlitos, illustrating the fragility of parental responsibility. Carlitos's disappointment underscores the film's critique of unreliable adults.

👨‍👦 Absent parent 🌆 Illusion of help 🧭 Reality check

Doña Carmen 'La Coyota' (Carmen Salinas)

Doña Carmen 'La Coyota' acts as a community intermediary who informs Rosario that Carlitos has crossed and that her mother is dead. Her information highlights how informal networks influence migrants' lives. Her role serves as a catalyst for Rosario's decision to pursue reunification.

📞 Community connector 🗺️ Local networks 🧭 Turning point

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:30

Major Themes – Under the Same Moon (2007)

Explore the central themes of Under the Same Moon (2007), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Family & Reunion

Family is the emotional engine of the story. Carlos's quest to find his mother drives the plot forward, while Rosario's decisions shape his path. The distance between borders highlights both physical separation and emotional closeness. Moments of help from strangers emphasize the power of community. The culminating reunion at the payphone signals hope amid hardship.

🧭 Migration

Crossing the border is portrayed as risky, improvisational, and fraught with danger. Coyotes, police, and exploitation present real threats to vulnerable migrants. The film presents both the systemic obstacles and the personal acts of courage that enable the journey. The pursuit of opportunity collides with harsh realities.

🌟 Hope & Agency

Carlitos's resourcefulness and Enrique's reluctant generosity illustrate personal agency. Rosario's determination to secure a future for her child shows resilience. The narrative emphasizes small acts of kindness that empower the characters. Hope persists even when authorities threaten detainment.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 19:30

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Under the Same Moon Summary

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Under the Same Moon Summary

Under the Same Moon Timeline

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Under the Same Moon Timeline

Under the Same Moon Spoiler-Free Summary

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Under the Same Moon Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Under the Same Moon

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