Review of Babel (2008) by Dillon L — 25 May 2012

This is one we have had lying around the house since it came out. (husband bought the DVD but never got around to watching it). Actually got a shock when I put it on and realized the little girl was Elle Fanning, who certainly doesn't look that young these days! (I guess that means we have had this movie for 6 years!). The only reason I bothered now is I recently saw Mammoth, which was unfavorably compared to this.

Well this was certainly better. It follows 3 stories which are all linked in some way. All also have some type of tragedy. The Japanese story did not seem to link in as well as the others with only a very slight connection, but I still really liked it.

The Morrocan story is good as well, though I have to say it wouldn't be my idea of a relaxing place to go and work on a strained marriage. I did end up feeling sorry for the parents of the two boys, and the other family who got abused over "owning" the gun.

Probably the most relatable story was of Amelia the Mexican nanny. I really did feel sorry for her.

This is very nicely filmed and cast are all great (though I still can't stand Brad Pitt - one of the things putting me off watching, I think).

If I had one complaint, it is that it drags on quite a bit at the end. I think the last half hour could have been trimmed a bit, which would have given all the endings a bit more impact. Overall a good film, but certainly not a feel-good movie, be warned!