Saturday, March 19, 2011

Biutiful

You may not have heard much about this movie, but I was blessed to be able to see it because of our little independent theater here in Bellingham, the Pickford. It received quite a small showing in theaters in the States for several reasons, not the least of which was because it was made in Spain, has subtitles, and because of the subject matter. Javier Bardem received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Uxbal, a "street saint," a man who discovers he is dying of cancer while being the only stable person in the lives of his two children.

I was mesmerized by the man he portrayed. Some of the reviews I read on Rotten Tomatoes thought it was just too much of a downer movie, and although nobody faulted Bardem's performance, many didn't give the director, Gonzales Iñárritu, as much credit as I feel he deserves for his artistic direction. I thought the entire movie was masterfully crafted.

Uxbal is the protagonist in a gritty, messy love story between him and his children, his bipolar ex-wife, and the people he meets and deals with on the streets. He has the gift of being able to hear the voices of people who have recently died and hearing their pleas. He's aware that he himself is dying and wants to make things work out for those close to him, as much as he is able.

This is a Barcelona that is nobody's tourist destination, and although it was a really difficult movie to watch, I would see it again in a moment, partly because it was such a finely crafted movie, well worth watching. But it would have been a completely different experience without Javier Bardem. He was the jewel. I have thought of the movie many times since I saw it, and I can only say that if you go, expect to cry into your tissues and leave the movie theater with gratitude. I did, partly because it ended so beautifully, and partly because my own life was cast in a bright hopeful light, when I left the theater and felt the weight of Uxbal's world lift from my shoulders.
:-)

16 comments:

  1. Has this played as a documentary on HBO Jan? As you described it I felt like I had seen it. If I haven't I want too as I am drawn to these types of movies......:-)Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a beautifully written review. I have not seen the film yet, but have wanted to. No small venues here, so now will have to wait for the DVD. I Love foreign films. Aren't they just living art? Now I can't wait to see this. I never mind gritty when it's done well. It sounds very interesting. You do these reviews/impressions really well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Javier Bardem is totally hot! I love his ruggedness and that he's a wonderful actor. Thanks for the heads up on this movie....I had no idea about it....but will be waiting to see it when it comes out on DVD. I think there are so few movies today that actually move people to tears. Usually it's just a bunch of explosions and no dialogue. It would figure that it's a foreign film...they're not afraid to feel...even if it's painful. A movie of substance. Can't wait to see this. Thanks DJan.

    ReplyDelete
  4. nice..i am tagging this one to snatch up when i can find it...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love javier and haven't heard of this movie. Now it's a must see!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Excellent movie review. There are many good movies that don't get the big hype. I'm not a movie buff, but I should see more movies.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've seen Bardem and know what a great actor he is. Your movie sounds fabulous and I will make a note of it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What an amazing movie review you've written here! I love Javier Bardem, and will definitely look for a way to see this movie now.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sounds like another great movie, recommended by you that I will enjoy. Javier Bardem is a favorite, anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is great that you found a movie that inspires and has some hope. I think I will have to pass due to the fact that most of the time, I don't want to summon the energy to suffer through the angst of a fictional character. I tolerate some of that in books, but in movies, I have little patience for a downer. Maybe that makes me shallow, but I look to movies for entertainment. I last enjoyed R.E.D. because it was funny and exciting. I had my vicarious "suffering" phase when I was young but I no longer want to deal with it in fiction when there is so much of it in real life. I enjoyed reading your objective review. I'm just a coward.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hubby usually doesn't like movies with subtitles but every once in awhile there is a movie so good the subtitles don't stop him. I like indies mostly and documentaries and don't mind subtitles at all. I added this movie to our Netflix queue. You did a great job describing the movie in this post. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Not sure I'd want to see this one. I think I would find it just too distressing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like to watch movies, but I rarely get to the theater to see them. This one sounds interesting. Wonder if it will be available on DVD.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You did a really great job of expressing just how I felt about the movie. Like you, I still think about the movie, and it has been several days since we saw it! How often have you thought about Cedar Falls!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Most interesting review! Sounds like my kind of movie. Thanks for the recommendation.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I want to see this movie. I really like the actor. He is amazing. Remember him in No Country For Old Men? The fact he could play that killer and the role he played in Biutiful, shows his incredible range.

    ReplyDelete

I really appreciate your comments! If you see a word verification box here, just ignore it. I don't use the darn thing and Blogger is trying to get us to use it, I guess. Ignore it and your comment will still appear.