Review of 21 Grams (2003) by Casselise R — 14 Apr 2011

It would take a horrible director to screw up the work of Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Naomi Watts, the main characters in 21 Grams. And Alejandro González Iñárritu is a superb director, so you knew the final product would be exceptional.

The film is weighty both in terms of it's theme, as well as it's story telling conceit. It's the kind of film that requires vigilant viewing; it involves connected story lines and time fractured fates which intermittently intersect and divert.

It's like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. We fill in the pieces as they are provided. It's not linear story telling and if you are more comfortable with a traditional narrative, you may be confused and unhappy with the structure of 21 Grams.

This film shows us real people, flaws and all, with outcomes that are far from predictable or assured. Is there a God and to what extent is he involved in our lives? This film will not answer those questions for you, but does ask the question as articulately as possible, which is the reason this is a great film.

Enjoy.