21 Grams
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Movie Reviews of 21 Grams
Movie Review: Complex and Simple.
Summary: 5 Stars
To those reviewers that were disappointed because it was (or wasn't) a "drug-film", or who found it too puzzling, or boring - Please, please stick to reviewing John Woo movies.
And for those reviewers who took the time to explain the structure (convoluted as it is), and point out the amazing and thought-provoking performances in this film - thank you. I want to share only the thoughts that this film elicited in me after I watched it.
This movie is as perfect a metaphor for life as I have ever seen. Life, like this movie, is at once confusing and obvious. We, like the characters so perfectly played here, make choices, then change our minds, sometimes propelled by emotions that seem to control our will. As death approaches (or slams headlong into our lives), we all question the nature of our existence -past, present, and future. We isolate ourselves and insinuate ourselves into the lives of others, never really understanding the connections and consequences that are created and destroyed in the process. And who among us has not had thoughts of revenge, and equally potent thoughts of repentance? Forces throughout our lives turn the simplicity of existence into the web of existential deceit. Much like the characters in this film, we are caught in that web. We question our selves and our God, and in the end, life goes on without us. This is the kind of film that we so rarely see these days. One that mirrors each of us in some way; and then holds that mirror up for the camera to see.
Movie Review: 21 Grams: Stunningly well acted
Summary: 5 Stars
21 Grams is a movie about ordinary people dealing with unfathomable pain in extraordinary circumstances. The movie touches upon some of the fundamental questions that we all eventually ask: where do we go after death? What is the meaning of life? And perhaps the most painful question of all, how do we go on living after loved ones have died?All of the characters in 21 Grams are well acted, but Naomi Watts gives the most shattering performance as Christina Peck, a reformed party girl who is coming to terms with the loss of her family. The plot thickens when she becomes involved with the math professor (Sean Penn) who received her dead husband's heart.
The thing that really struck me about this movie is how real all the characters seemed. True, the plot at times bordered on melodrama, but at the center of the movie was an intense understanding of and acknowledgement of pain of all kinds; whether a little bit of pain, or an overwhelming amount. This is, in my opinion, one of the best movies of 2003, and I think that Naomi Watts gives the best performance of 2003. I was absolutely stunned by Watts' performance, as I have never before seen an actress capable of displaying such devastating emotions with such a heartfelt fervor.
I think this movie was phenomenal, but you might not want to watch it if A)you can't handle non-linear storytelling, and/or B)you can't handle depressing storylines. If you're looking for a well-acted movie with a philosophical premise, however, then 21 Grams is the movie for you.
Movie Review: Brilliantly Put Together
Summary: 5 Stars
Unlike many movies out these days, this one actually has a meaning. The minute you begin to watch this one you realize theres something that sets it apart from other flicks. The beginning may lose some people, but as the movie progresses everything seems to come together.The movie involves a man(Benecio Del Toro) who has cleaned up his life and become right with god, a woman(Naomi Watts), who is a recovering drug addict struggling to kick the old habbits, and a man(Sean Penn) who is dying and needs a new heart. I personally Sean has the best performance out of the big three.
The movie moves in and out of past and future never really settling on the what you think the present would be. At times especially in the beginning it can be a little slow, but that just makes for a better ending where everything ties together.
The great part about the movie is the meaning. It really makes you think, I love movies like that (ex. Requiem for a Dream, American History X). I think the 21 grams that you lose when you die is your soul. There is a great message to this movie.
Anyways, I reccomend this movie to anyone who likes movies with purposes, or likes to think. I realize not everyone will like this movie, but I think most people enjoy movies with meanings. Thanks for reading.
Rated R for Language(all though not too bad for R,Nudity, Drug Use, and Overall Adult Themes) so you might many keep away from parents.
Movie Review: Aboslutely riverting and powerful.
Summary: 5 Stars
I could not take my eyes off the screen as I was watching this film in the theater. I believe this is one of the best movies of the year so far and I wouldn't be surprise if it doesn't get some kind of award. The acting is superb from the three leading actors. It is a movie that really makes you think about a lot of things. You can tell that is was made on a fairly low budget but I personally prefer movies that are made on a low budget in comparison to the big blockbusters. This movie is not for everyone but if you care about excellence in acting as well as movies with great storylines that make you think and question life and our existence among many other factors than this movie is for you. Sean Penn is terrific, his character is very sick and is dying and his transformation is unreal. Naomi Watts who plays Penn's girlfriend is also top notch and her character goes on an emotional rollercoaster after her husband and her two daughters are tragically killed in a car accident. Last but certainly not least is Benicio Del Toro who plays an ex-con and a reborn Christian who is deeply religious and wants to help those around him do the same also gives a fantastic performance. This film deserves to be remembered by the members of the Academy of Motion Pictures because it truly deserves to be recognized by the Hollywood elite as an amazing film with gripping performances from a fantastic cast of actors.Movie Review: THE WEIGHT OF IT ALL
Summary: 5 Stars
21 Grams is a hard-edged gritty, visual poem. It's a film that plays like a hysterical musical composition of raw emotion and lyric. Each performance is truly captivating and the director's merciless nonlinear structure adds volumes to the heightened intensity of the story. It's amazing to be glued to a film in which you're always trying to figure out where you are in it. It's a risky narrative move because many people would easily be turned off from a device like this--but Inarritu is a mad composer of slick, realistic, spiritually absorbing masterpieces (check out Amores Perros if you don't believe me)The film is centered around three characters whose lives are forever changed in the event of tragedy. Sean Penn is his usual brilliant best as a math professor with heart failure, Naomi Watts is equally astonishing as a ex-drug addicted wife and mother suffering terrible loss, and Benicio Del Toro as a Jesus-freak ex-con is gripping to watch on screen has he battles his inner and outer demons.
21 Grams is riveting in the numerous issues it tackles without ever being preachy or verbose. What do our lives weigh? How do we survive immense loss? Are we chosen to take lives and give life?
Many films claim to examine the core of our huamnity but never has a film like 21 Grams done such an amazing job of examining how mysteriousthat human core actually is.