Movie Review: Bella

Have you ever watched a movie that makes you laugh, and cry, that nearly breaks your heart, and then melts it? This is Bella, a film filled with complex emotion and turmoil, but also with much joy and finally, peace.

Bella is the story of a waitress (Tammy Blanchard) employed at a posh family restaurant in New York who learns that she is pregnant and how her life is changed by the cook (Eduardo Verástegui) who wants so much to help her and to heal his own inner turmoil at the same time. It is the story of life and death, of love and fear, forgiveness and healing.

This film is cutting edge and the acting is amazing. It is a story that all of us can relate to no matter what our experiences have been in this life. This is a film with power behind it and that power is the truth, the gift of love, and respect for human life.

You'll love the music and ladies, it will be hard to keep your eyes off the star of this film (Eduardo Verástegui). Not only is he an attractive and extremely competent actor, but he is one who has had a conversion experience, and this film is the fruit of that experience. This is a movie that will transform your life and keep you thinking. You can't help but love Bella! It is a must-see movie!

My rating A+

Note: I was privileged to preview this film, as it has not yet arrived in Kansas. I am looking forward to seeing it again and again - it is that good! To me, Bella was just as powerful as The Passion of the Christ.

Go here to see the trailer.
-

Comments

  1. Barb Szyszkiewicz10/8/07, 6:38 AM

    Jean, I have seen SO much good stuff about this movie.
    Since you've seen it, I want to ask: what ages is this movie appropriate for? My children are ages 15, 11 and 5.
    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jean Heimann10/8/07, 4:52 PM

    Barb,

    I would take your fifteen year-old, but I think it might be a little too much for the 11 year old. When we went to the preview, there were teenagers there who seemed to be ok with it, and this is something I think teenagers need to see.

    It's a judgement call as far as the 11 year old is concerned. How mature is your 11 year old? The film is like an emotional roller coaster. It's a drama which includes frank discussion of pregnancy, abortion and adult relationships. It includes family conflict as well as flashbacks of a traumatic accident scene. There are scenes which may be emotionally upsetting to the 11 year old. It's your call.

    I say definitely No for the five year old.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Barb Szyszkiewicz10/9/07, 4:38 PM

    Thanks for the info. My daughter thinks she is more mature than she is (sigh) so I think we're better off having her wait a year or so before seeing this movie.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Comments are moderated and are published at the blogger's discretion.

Blog Archive

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi

Image
August 11 is the memorial of St. Clare, one of my favorite saints. She was the first woman to follow the life of radical poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and is the co-founder of the Poor Clares. Although I am not a Franciscan, I have had Franciscan friends, clergy, and spiritual directors instruct me on the beauty of St. Clare's spirituality. I have also learned a great deal from reading about her over the years. Clare and Francis (2007) is a film which depicts the fascinating story of her dramatic conversion and surrender to the will of God. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of eye disorders, embroiderers, good weather, and telephones. The Contemplative Life The Lady Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi in 1193 and was admired for her great beauty. When she heard Francis of Assisi preach his Lenten homilies at the Church of San Giorgio, she was captivated by his words. At age eighteen, she heard him say: "When the
Read more

Saint Michael de Sanctis: Patron of Cancer Patients

Image
Today is the feast of Saint Michael de Sanctis, also known as St. Michael of the Saints, a Spanish Discalced Trinitarian priest, the patron of cancer patients. Michael Argemir was born on September 29, 1591 at Vic, Catalonia, Spain. At age 6, he told his parents that he planned to become a monk and began modeling his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael’s parents died when he was about ten years old. He then served as an apprentice with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, especially to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of 12, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert’s monastery in Saragosa four years later.  Shortly afterwards, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest. Twice he served as Superior of the hou
Read more

St. Raymond Nonnatus, Patron of Expectant Mothers, Midwives, and Newborn Babies

Image
The saint of the day for August 31 is St. Raymond Nonnatus. He is the patron of expectant mothers, midwives, obstetricians, infertile couples, and newborn babies. Raymond was born at Portella, Catalonia, Spain in 1204, the son of wealthy parents. He was delivered by cesarean section when his mother died in childbirth. Hence his name non natus (not born). In his childhood, he seemed to find pleasure only in his devotions and serious duties. His father, sensing that Raymond was drawn to religious life, ordered him to manage one of the family farms. Raymond readily obeyed but spent his time with the shepherds and workers, studying and praying until his father abandoned the idea of making his son a worldly success. Raymond later joined the the Order of Our Lady of Mercy or the Mercederians, which was founded by St. Peter Nolasco, who devoted to ransoming Christians captured by the Moors. He succeeded Peter as chief ransomer and went to Algeria to ransom slaves. He remained as hosta
Read more