Babel (2006)

So very dull, 2 hours of my life I'm not getting back. Just spent most of it thinking that it would get going any minute. Then it ended, WOW. How is this film rated at 7.5?

'Babel' is an authentic portrayal of the depletion of humanity and the terrible negligence of basic human values. The narrative of the movie moves along a spectrum of extreme emotional depth and execution of the the underlying morals in a deeply disturbing turn of events. The plot follows an accident faced by an American tourist which leads upto the unfolding of 3 different narratives which depicts 3 diffrent scenarios surrounding 3 different communities. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu masterfully manages to create the link between the 3 different scenarios by layering the thread of linking the narratives by giving the audiences to view the plot from 3 different scopes each which leads up to the scenarios depicted under each sub plot. The most amazing aspect of this is that the director has managed to layer the sub plots with abundant suspense all throughout the movie and rigorously emotional acting performances. Rinko Kikuchi who plays a young deaf Japanese girl creates maximum impact by coating the performance with enough emotional intensity and a marvelously convincing performance. Her pain of being treated differently is reflected through her glowing eyes in almost every scene she's in. Adriana Barraza's performance is no different and would make you reevaluate the core values a human should possess. The only negative aspect about the film that I witnessed are its confusing timelines surrounding the sub plots and the link between them leading up to the disturbing key event. The film would wreck you emotionally and disturb you to your heart's core which is exactly why you must see this film.

To be honest: babel took me with surprise. I am a long time fan of Alejandro. but the combination of the actors, poster and the criticism didn't made me enthusiastic. but after seeing Birdman again last week I thought I give it a go. and wow!i believe that film is a medium to tell stories that grate, that are hard to believe. and this story is the right tone to that. we immediately understand the characters and the fact that in every situation their powerless, makes it hard to look at. nevertheless, at some point it was going in the wrong direction for me. but the moment I thought that Alejandro went to far. he dose it all. and i loved that. he didn't chose to murder them all out or make them all too crazy. he only suggest the thought of it.overall a great film that grabs you in every of the three stories.

The idea and the title are good - what one could do with such a theme! Unfortunately the execution of the idea is mediocre and superficial. Mr Inaritu bypasses a real opportunity to say something true and deep here. Instead, he stays on stereotypes for the sake of the striking and shocking impression, that is it is shallow. Am I the only one that thinks this film is racist, or better plays with racism as a means of impression? The same that does with sexism etc. A lost opportunity not just to impress but to shake people out of their seats.