Movie Review: Bella
With the girls being sick, I didn't accomplish much reading this week so I'm skipping the traditional Thursday This Week in Books feature this week. However, Jesse and I did have a chance to watch the movie Bella. We don't watch too many movies, especially new releases, but based upon the rave reviews given by people I respect, I was excited to see this movie.Maybe I'm too naive, but I have to say Bella somewhat disappointed me. I was hopeful it would really promote life and it did to a point. But, to me, there was so much missing--so much more that could have been said or showed to really impress upon the viewer just how precious life is, just how meaningful choosing life is.
That said, I'm grateful to see such a simple, wholesome film out there. While it might not have been as wonderful as I was hoping and while the ending may have been disappointing to me, it is a beautiful film. It was especially touching to hear what one of the co-producers said in his review with Focus on the Family:
"What I'd love to see happen with this film is to someday have this 12-year-old knock on my door and say that her mother was going to have an abortion. But she saw this film. That would be my Oscar."For more information on this film, read Focus on the Family's review here. And if you've seen the film, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.
Labels: Reviews
posted by Crystal Paine at 1:00 PM
11 Comments:
I took my son to see this at the theater during its very brief run. I agree, it wasn't as powerful as I had hoped it would be, but it was still a movie I was happy to support.
Really? I loved this movie, and actually thought it was a very poignant look at the preciousness of life. The message of that was a bit more subtle; they didn't spend long orations summarizing the whys...they showed it. The movie was about that, to me, as the whole movie was just a day in his life, taking this young lady around and showing her the beauty of life and family.
Even the lamps they used at the beach, which his father made, spoke of the preciousness of life. God gave us the ability to create beauty, and his family did. "Bella" means beautiful, and everything about this movie, for me, was beautiful and about the beauty of life. It wasn't grandiose and there were no lectures, which I thought added to it and made the message accessible for people who would be immediately put off by prolife diatribes. No politics, no judgements, no high horse... Just examples, just demonstrations, just...life.
The cinematography was rich and verdant, the family relationships were complicated but real and warm, and the gripping, emotional impact of how his life changed in the moment with his car.
The ending, I thought, was a triumphal and affirming moment for the pro-life community. Many times, I have heard the criticism and accusation that pro-lifers tell women what to do with their bodies but don't offer them alternatives. Not every woman can--or should--keep her baby. That is harsh to say, but it's reality. The fact that the protagonist of this story put his life where his values are and offered to adopt that child in lieu of her aborting the child was amazing, and a testimony to the strength of his conviction in the value of life. He was willing to be a single father--not an easy or desirable thing--because at least the baby would be alive.
I dunno, but this movie exceeded my expectations, and I thought it was beautiful, accessible, and clear.
Hi, Crystal!! I absolutely LOVED Bella. I was able to see it in the theatre, and we bought it the first day it came out on DVD.
I'm sorry to hear that you were slightly disappointed. Personally, I thought its simplicity is what made it so powerful. There were little messages all throughout (although we had to watch it several times to pick up on some of them) but the movie was never "preachy". It definitely got the point across- but they never even had to say anything! :)
I read recently that already 14 babies (that we know of) have been saved because their mothers saw Bella. How truly amazing!
I have to agree with the others :-) I loved this movie and I thought the subtle pro-life message was actually strength rather than a weakness. The movie spoke for itself. It was a beautiful movie but next time I'll have tissues handy! What a tear-jerker.
Crystal, did you watch it with your girls? Would you watch it with your girls? My children are between the ages of 5-18 would it be appropriate?
thanks!
Penny Raine
http://www.pennyraine.com/blog
There is so much power in simplicity; in showing rather than telling. Charlotte Mason says that overtly goody-goody messages have very little power. I'm inclined to agree. I have learned so much from my friends who have told me almost nothing about how they are raising their wonderful children ... and yet I have watched them and learned in their simple and subtle messages. I, myself, have not seen the movie yet ... but in hearing about it, never expected a documentary about why one shouldn't have an abortion. I'm expecting a beautiful story whose underlying messages speak of truth -- and stick with you.
brooke
I saw this movie last weekend with my husband. I didn't even know it was a pro-life movie when we rented it, so I was pleasantly surprised. One thing about it was that it showed how hard life is for so many people. It was very real and not glamorous. I have done some mission work in the Bronx (the movie takes place in NY) and have worked with many people who have life experiences like the leading lady in the movie. It showed the pain of having a broken family, sin, poverty, and not having saving faith in the Lord. It showed why (although it is a terrible thing) many women contemplate abortion. It is good for those of us especially who have had good families and middle class background to be reminded of these realities. But then on the flip side the movie showed in the leading man a strong family of love and faith, second chances, grace, forgiveness, and adaption. I would recomend it.
Crystal,
An excellent review of the film gets at something similar to what you seem to be saying here:
"Unflinchingly pro-life, Bella is not a crude propaganda vehicle for the anti-abortionist movement, though it may well be used to help provoke a reassessment of Roe v. Wade. Rather, it constitutes a meditation on the gentle grace that comes from our need for others, and the transformative power of relationships anchored in truth."
It's important to remember that most of the film's Catholic backers, producers, and actors were striving not so much for a single home-run statement as they were working for the promotion of what we call the culture of life. It's a long-term movement, built on one affirmation of truth after another in our poisoned culture.
Did you notice that the name of Bella's production company - 'metanoia'-literally means 'repentance'?
Some other vividly pro life movies (though not for general viewing) on my list include:
Juno
Knocked Up
Waitress
The Children of God
The Children of Men
Crystal, I'm so glad you and Jesse had a chance to see this film. I'm not sure if this is mentioned in the movie's commentary or not, but the lead actor, Eduardo Verastegui, is a very devout man who came back to the faith several years ago, and decided that he would never again take on an acting project if he didn't believe it would be pleasing to the Lord. If only all media figures had that mindset.
This movie was so moving to my husband and I. I agree that the simplicity of this message was powerful. I was brought to tears by the sacrifice this gentleman made to raise this child...he was no relation, not even a boyfriend, fiance or anything...just a fellow employee. It was such a beautiful picture of the redemptive character of Christ Jesus as acted out by the main character. Christ's choice to adopt us as His children, despite the fact that we were so undeserving. I love viewing the movie from that angle! The main character like Christ sacrificed so much to preserve life. Precious!
Something to consider as well...have we been in her shoes? If not, who are we to judge her motives or decisions. This movie stirred me up with a greater compassion and love for such women. Not to judge them for getting into that situation in the first place, but to love them as Christ loved us! We were far from deserving! I was renewed and challenged to treasure ever more the gift God has given me in my child.
Rather than criticizing these small steps towards getting the message of life out there, we should get behind and support the truth that they were willing to share and make a stand for. I am eager to add this movie to our collection!
I would have to agree with Crystal. I guess I was looking for something more vocal and obvious, rather than quiet and subtle. Since my expectations were different from how the movie actually played out, my enjoyment was slightly diminished. Also, I watched it when I was tired, so I was not in the mood to think serious or pay close attention. However, after having said all that, I thought the actors and actresses expressed themselves in a way that allowed you to understand their feelings, fears, emotions, etc. It was worth the price of the rental.
Post a Comment
<< Home