Review of Bella (2007) by Huw G — 23 Mar 2011

Slow and methodic, a bit like a Death Cab For Cutie song, it goes through the paces, with some emotional vocabulary, and plays a sweet finish. I wasn't convinced by Eduardo Verstegui, but thought Tammy Blanchard and Manny Perez supported his performance in strength.

Critics must remember that this is Monteverde's feature length directorial debut. It has to tick the right boxes and fill certain criteria. It does all those, but does it with a sweet and innocent smile that gives the watcher a satisfaction of a job well done. This is a dream debut, let's put it that way.