Review of Biutiful (2010) by Katya O — 03 Jun 2011
Like Tim, I feel some plot lines probably could have been cut short. However, Inarritu once again delivers a depressing tale. Like the rest of his films, this one deals with death and redemption and what happens after life. This one was more comparable to 21 Grams, which is one of my favorite films. Though not staggered in its storytelling, Biutiful is compelling for the bravado performance of Javier Bardem, for the great camerawork and imagery, but also the delivery of theme, what is a man's soul apart from the body. We see the emotional toll of sickness, stress, drugs and pain all over Bardem's family and his every emotions. Yet, the film resonates because of the end, where we see Bardem's Uxbal in a profile shot, smiling. We see Uxbal take a puff from a cigarette and breathe with relief as if to say, "Finally, peace.".
It's powerful stuff, full of vivid imagery that wrings your heart. I didn't mind the length, didn't mind the bare script full of what-seemed-to-be-tacked-on lines. Because Inarritu has a gift for bringing out that beauty in the bleak, and he has wowed me once again.
This review of Biutiful (2010) was written by Katya O on 03 Jun 2011.
Biutiful has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
