Bella Movie Review (2007) PG-13
Sheldon
Hunsaker, an Audience Alliance Member, recommends
Bella. Hunsaker told us, "It was refreshing
to see a movie Bella where the story was so touching,
but not your usual ending.” Audience Alliance took a closer look
at Bella and
we have to agree – Bella definitely deserves a place
in What You Missed.
Praised as a motion picture masterpiece, Bella became the #1 top rated movie of 2006 and one of the most honored films of the year - winning the highly coveted "People’s Choice Award" at the Toronto International Film Festival, along with numerous other awards.
When Bella was released in 2006, it was touted as a romance, but don't write it off as a chick-flick. While it's romantic in a sense, Bella is really about the deeply intimate, yet platonic bond between Jose (Eduardo Verastegui) and Nina (Tammy Blanchard).
Inspired by a true story, Jose is a soccer superstar on his way to sign a multi-million dollar deal when tragedy strikes. The incident not only ends his career, it changes the entire course of his life. Now a cook in his brother's New York City restaurant, Jose has retreated from the world. Until Nina, a beautiful, struggling waitress at the restaurant is fired one day for being late. Sympathetic, and with a little nod to hopeful romance, Jose leaves the restaurant to find Nina, who admits she's pregnant.
This single, impulsive action brings Jose and Nina together and leads to an extraordinary "day in the life" - of Jose and Nina, and of New York City. Director Alejandro Monteverde paints an accurate scene of the city, from street dancers to sidewalk artists; the film is as lively and visually interesting at times as it is somber and bittersweet.
Bella is a feel-good tale, although it does grapple with some fairly heavy themes.
The characters have deep discussions about her pregnancy, but it's not a pro-life or pro-choice message - it's a deep discussion about their respective feelings. He has reasons to persuade her to have the child (which is revealed through flashbacks); she has concerns of her own. Ultimately, however, it's a great film about the human potential for change and redemption, and the incredible importance of family. A particularly momentous trip to his family's home on Long Island makes a marvelous statement about "familia". And Bella accomplishes it all in one New York City day.
However, the film and PG-13 rating merits a warning for parents. In addition to the topic of unwed pregnancy, there are some brief disturbing images, but we only get the impression - no blood or gore. Bella is written in English and Spanish, with English subtitles. But if you're not a fan of subtitles, don't panic. The entire movie isn't subtitled, just small portions.
By Sara-Lynn White
