Sweet in a sentimental sort of way, but with a big gaping hole towards the end...
Added 11/21/2009
Bella is supposed to be a heartwarming film about love, redemption and family. A chef, and former soccer star, Jose, makes a fateful decision to follow a waitress who has just been fired from his brother's restaurant, changing both of their lives forever. Although the reason he follows her is never made clear, eventually you figure out that he is looking for a way to redeem himself for a tragedy that has ruined his life.
The film's message is fairly clear--love of family wins in the end--but how it gets there is a mystery. One minute, Jose and Nina are sitting on the beach getting to know one another, the next minute it's years later and everything has worked out just fine. How was the fundamental crisis resolved? Shouldn't we have seen the drama? The neat, and entirely too pat, ending seemed like it was pulled out of thin air.
Jose's family was also pulled out of thin air. The mother is Latina (Mexican)and a fluent speaker of English. The father is a non-English speaking Puerto Rican. Two of the sons speak English fluently, while the third, Jose, has a heavy accent. So, where were the kids raised? If in the States, then all three would be fluent. If in Mexico, then all three would have a Spanish accent. I have the feeling that the producers thought, "Hah! Dumb gringos! They'll never know the difference!" (And, while we're on the subject of dumb gringos, why does a Mexican soccer star have an Argentinian agent? Mexicans are entirely too nationalistic for that kind of shenanigan.)
The acting was spotty and amateurish, with the exception of the two leads. Tammy Blanchard was convincing as the street-hardened waitress. and Verastegui, with his intense, dark gaze, did a wonderful job of conveying a soul in torment. But they were the only brights spot in an otherwise bland film.
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Bella, Bella
Added 11/3/2009
I ordered this movie because I have an adopted Italian grandmother and that is what I call her. This was a good story and I enjoyed watching it with my mama. Good story.
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LIFE is special
Added 10/22/2009
Best movie I have seen in many years. This film is much more than a movie. It will remain with you as it did with me beyond watching it. I suggest this movie for all. Unlike much of what is shown throughout the "mainstream" this film dares to go where few if not any films go. That's right! It challenges you, the watcher to see responsibility, to think about life and not just life in general, but the LIFE a baby, a child and yes an unborn baby! The characters and story are so remarkable that it could be one of us and all of us. It reminds us that we are special with tough decisions to make in life and how other people affect us. This movie really moved me. I hope there are more like this to find.
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Rent it, maybe. Buy it for sure.
Added 9/7/2009
This is a very good film. It is multi-layered and at every turn it is interesting and compelling. Others will tell you the plot points. I am telling you to see it. There's something you should know about my recommendations. I love to watch movies without knowing much of anything about them, that way the story can unfold with maximum impact. So I'm just not gonna tell you a whole lot when I recommend something so you can discover the magic, too. This film is full of magic. It is surprising and sensitive and ways that will touch you deeply. See it.
Bella
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Excellent, life changing movie
Added 8/8/2009
I had no expectations for this independent film. I had heard it was a good movie but really didn't know too much about it. I was blown away. It was a beautiful, simple, painful, sad, and then joy filled movie to watch. Give it a try--I don't think you'll be disappointed.
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