Review of Bella (2007) by Wes L — 22 Jul 2008

SPOILER ALERT: I just write what I feel about a film and though I try not to give any details you never know what may come out that could spoil your first viewing experience. You may want to read this after you've watched the movie.

Not everyone enjoys a film that has a slower pace or makes it's points with subtlety, but for those that do (like myself) when you discover a new film that does that to perfection, you fall in love. And let me tell you, I fell hard from scene one.

The two main characters are dripping with charisma. Or maybe that's just me and my own tastes. I happen to have a thing for dark but sensitive brooding men and outspoken, boldly honest women. Put the two together and you have my version of man and woman crush together - the perfect storm! And though my viewing expectations wanted them to "get together in the end and it all works out" it was so refreshing to leave that bit out of it and just focus on the connection of two individuals sharing their hearts and souls with one another. Two people experiencing trust almost intuitively and living in the moment with their guards down together like it's perfectly natural, when it also seems like that has never happened to either of them ever before. It's magic and it's real life at once.

The only part of the film that gave me pause was the hot button issue and what sort of message was being put across about it. I can think of someone watching it and thinking "well yeah, this is idealized and that's not how it works - some angel doesn't walk into every struggling woman's life when she needs it" and I agree. But considering where I stand, I felt comfortable with the presentation of this situation and what unfolded. I didn't get the sense that this was meant to focus on that issue at all, actually. I felt this was really about how people can come into each other's lives and heal one another in unexpected ways, and everything else was just a plot device.

Regardless of all of that, this film just fit me. I am an optimist who isn't afraid to go deep and get real. I will think the best but I'm not afraid to explore the worst and this movie captures that duality in perfect measure. All of this reaction would not be possible without the outstanding acting performances from each and every cast member. Bravo to all that created this film and pushed it into the spotlight where it belongs.