By Alex Withers-Clarke
The films, “Mosquita & Mari” directed by Aurora Guerrero, and “A Better Life'' directed by Chris Weitz, both establish themes of the American dream. The two movies compare the reality of what it is like being an immigrant, despite being legal or illegal, and all the hardships they encounter and have to face. Each of the characters in both movies develops strong bonds, a son and father, and best friends to eventually lovers, and these relationships grow throughout the duration of the film. Both of these movies incorporate characters that move from Mexico to Los Angeles in hopes of a better life. The hardships in these films demonstrate the danger and experiences immigrants face when settling into a new area. Similarly, the parental figures in both films did not approve of who their children surrounded themselves with. Carlos only wanted his son to have a better life than his and to not hang out on drugs and dangerous activities. In “Mosquita & Mari”, Mosquita’s parents did restrict the idea of hanging out with Mari, however, they were just doing it in an effort to protect Mosquita. Overall, these films demonstrate the important themes of the hardships individuals face when settling in America and the importance of establishing strong relationships.
this is him looking at the view of LA before the truck gets stolen.
them teaming up to find the truck and they are trying not to get found by the police
the two girls realize that they love each other.
work sited
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Rendón, María G. Stagnant Dreamers: How the Inner City Shapes the Integration of the Second Generation. Russell Sage Foundation, 2019, https://doi.org/10.7758/9781610448901.