Review of Biutiful (2010) by Juraj J — 24 Mar 2011

IN BIUTIFUL, Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu takes us on a two and a half hour journey, exposing a disturbing portrait of modern society through the complexities of immigration, the balance between the preservation of identity and adaptation in a cosmopolitan city, corruption, greed and righteousness, the cohabitation of illness with life and death.

But above all, Inarritu depicts flawlessly the universal characteristic of Men: their undying perseverance in the battle for survival, and our innate desire for immortality. As we follow Uxbal in Barcelona more akin to a Slumdog Millionaire type of city with its underground sweat shops, bodies washing off the Mediterranean shore and police violent raids on its avenues, the viewer cannot help but question the title of the movie.

Betrayal, fatality and darkness leave one waiting for a light of hope, of beauty, all through the movie. But it never comes. In reality, the only beauty resides in the director's capacity to capture a father's unfailing love for his children, to challenge the viewer by deconstructing well imbedded stereotypes on sexuality, destinations, loyalty and happiness.

In this tragic story, Uxbal emerges as the one carrying on his shoulders, alone, the weight of Chinese smugglers, African illegal immigrants, an addict and promiscuous ex-wife, and having his own belief system put to the test when he is confronted to his own passage to the afterlife-the challenge of distilling what really matters, coping with immense Guilt, seeking redemption while staying afloat.

Biutiful is hope. Hope, in the indestructible bond of family, in its surprising capacity to redefine itself amidst utter misfortune. Biutiful is trust, in one man, in love. Biutiful is our own life, our city, our family, our life.

.. because we understand, it could be worse!