Review of Biutiful (2010) by Ben M — 11 Jan 2012

Biutiful tells the story of Uxbal, a father of 2, who finds out he is dying and has only a short period of time to live. Uxbal makes a living by finding work for illegal immigrants. He not only finds them work, but he has compassion for them and does his best to make sure they are well taken care of - in one instance with disastrous results.

This film is interesting because it is told from the viewpoint of someone who is not ready to die, yet is not ready to give up the everyday-ness of life. Uxbal tries to go about his normal routine - caring for his children, doing his job, making connections between business associates, visiting his estranged wife, etc. Through it all, he never complains and nor does he tell anyone the end is drawing near. An understated portrait of quiet and dignified suffering.