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RATING:   
SINGAPORE : It’s a situation familiar to countless Mexicans - leaving their loved ones behind, many sneak across the border to the United States to find jobs to make a better life for themselves and their families.
In "Under the Same Moon", Rosario (Kate del Castillo) works illegally in Los Angeles while her mother cares for her nine-year-old son Carlitos (Adrian Alonso) back in Mexico. She hopes to eventually save enough to have Carlitos come to the US.
Though living apart for the last four years, the bond between mother and son remains extremely strong and both yearn for the day when they can finally meet. Every Sunday morning at 10 am sharp, Rosario calls Carlitos from the same pay phone and she often describes her surroundings so he’ll fell closer.
And when they miss one another, they look up to the moon because however far apart they are, at least they're "Under The Same Moon" - hence the movie title.
When his grandmother dies, Carlitos sets out to find his mother in LA. He approaches Marta, played by Ugly Betty star America Ferrera, and her brother David (Jesse Garcia), to get him into the US border. The only problem is this is the siblings’ first smuggling mission and things don’t quite go as planned.
Thankfully, he meets kind strangers - mostly illegal like him - who help him along the way and becomes attached to Enrique (Eugenio Derbez), a migrant worker with no love for children. Though he’s headed for New York which is on the opposite coast form LA, he takes Carlitos under his wing and helps him make his way to the City of Angels.
Alonso who steals the show as the brave and street smart Carlitos, does a great job conveying the dangers inherent in attempting such a difficult journey. Each time you see that chubby, adorable face filled with sadness and longing for his mom, you just can’t help but feel for him.
A strong performance by del Castillo keeps Rosario's part of the movie interesting. Despite the hardships, she remains focused on her goal and denies any enjoyment of life for herself, even when faced with the possibility of an easy solution - marriage of convenience.
Sensitive souls out there should come prepared (bring tissues) for the movie as this heartwarming, tear-jerking, moving tale of the strong bond between a mother and son is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
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