21 Grams

21 Grams
by Alejandro González Iñárritu

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Movie Reviews of 21 Grams

Movie Review: Worth Every Gram!
Summary: 5 Stars

Its been brought to my attention many people will be confused by the structure and editing of the film. I find it to be masterful. But, the movie is NOT told in traditional fashion. The movie jumps around. Sometimes it's told backwards, so we see an event happen, but we don't know what caused it to happen. Think of "Memento". I really have to admit this structure did not bother me. It kept me guessing and made me sit eagerly for the conclusion. It kept my attention instead of bothering me. The editing should be nominated for an Oscar.

I find it hard thinking of a way to describe this movie to you. I don't want to reveal too much and spoil it for you, yet I feel it's almost my "duty" to warn you of what to expect. "21 Grams" could be describe by some people as a depressing movie. The movie does lay on these moments that do seem bleak. We wonder what is instore for these characters. The outlook does not look good. And the ending, which I found satisfying, doesn't do much to brighten up out spirits. But then again it doesn't mean to.

"21 Grams" has Sean Penn as Paul Rivers, a dying school teacher,who is in need of a heart donor. He has a rocky marriage to Mary (Charlotte Gainsbourg). They were seperated for a while and are trying to start anew. Next we have Naomi Watts. She is married and has two children. She was a former drug addict and alcoholic. Certain events will happen and cause her to go back to old habbits. And finally there is Jack Jordan (Benicio Del Toro). A convicted ex-con who was in and out of jails most of his life has turned around and now has found Jesus. He goes around speading his word. These three characters, without knowing it, will be affected by the others actions. I once heard Robert Altman describe his 1992 film "The Player" as a coiled snake. The movie goes around in a circle and ends where it started. "21 Grams" could be described in the same way.

This has been a rather slow year I think. We have had our share of good movies but not many great movies. There have not been many movies this year that have challenged our emotions. Movies that made us think. The only movie I saw this year that I felt deserved a "best picture" nomination was "Kill Bill". While perhaps it didn't exactly make us think it was a truly entertaining film. Now though "21 Grams" is a movie that not only should be nominated it should win the award. Inarritu deserves the nomination for "best director". The way he was able to handle these three stories and present them in a fresh way. He and screenwriter Guillemo Arriaga make us care about these people. That is what ultimately makes the movie work. Forget the techinical aspects of the movie. I don't think many people will care about the editing or the screenplay very much or at least not to the level I do. Most people will just come away enjoying the acting. And there is much to enjoy.

Will most audiences enjoy the movie? Probably not. As I said many will call the movie depressing. Others will be bothered by the narrative structure. But, those who give "21 Grams" a chance I think will find the film to be as rewarding as I do. This is the best film of the year! It goes into issues and creates emotions most films this year have not come close to making us feel.

Bottom-line: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's follow-up to "Amores Perros", in my opinion carries much more of a punch to it. The structure and editing of the film is masterful. The movie takes chances. The acting is just about as good as it gets. The best movie of the year!

Summary of 21 Grams