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While the storytelling is a bit heavy-handed, the acting is mostly superb—most notably Adrian Alonso as Carlitos. Adrian brings bits of humor and gravitas to this role, saving Carlitos from being one-dimensional or cloying. To a lesser degree, Kate del Castillo imbues Rosario with a wide range of believable emotion. Immigration is a complex issue, and we need these complex characters—both flawed and inspiring—to do it justice.

In the end, Under the Same Moon is ambitious, flawed, moving, and frustrating—in other words, as complex and messy as the issue of immigration.

Talk About It

1. If you were in Rosario's shoes, what would you have done?
2. Why do each of the illegal immigrants we're introduced to come to the U.S.? What's noble or less-than-noble about their motivations?
3. Were your attitudes about the immigration issue altered at all from watching Under the Same Moon? If so, how?
4. What has informed your knowledge and attitudes about immigration? How might you become more informed about local/regional implications of immigration?
5. What do you think is a proper Christian response to illegal immigrants and the overall issue of immigration? How might God be calling you get involved in this issue?
6. Were you satisfied with the final scene of the movie?

The Family Corner

Under the Same Moon is rated PG-13 for some mature thematic elements—most notably Carlitos finding his grandmother dead as well as various scenes of mild violence from government officials toward illegal immigrants. For these reasons—and for the fact that the police are mostly shown as bad and untrustworthy—younger children might not be the best fit for this film. However, for mature teens, this could be a great discussion starter about the complex issue of immigration—and the Christian's call to "love thy neighbor."

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