21 Grams (2003)

The plot is unraveled in segments that do not follow a chronological order so it can be confusing at times if you get distracted while watching. The plot surrounds three separate lives that are connected thought unfortunate events. The film covers loss, grief, vengeance, love, and belief through the three lives that find themselves forever changed through their related circumstances. The film is dark at times and shows how loss and tragedy erode otherwise normal individuals.

21 GramsIts grotesque tone and dark theme projected in a convoluted way is definitely thought provoking and intriguing enough to invest in it but as much as vocal the feature is about its characters, it somehow fails to connect with the audience to the level as it should. Guillermo Arriaga's script is uproaring and upbeating and when projected through Alejandro G. Inarritu's vision, the execution surpasses its witty script. The performance objective is satisfactory coming from amazing cast like Sean Penn, Naomi Watts and Benecio Del Toro. 21 Grams is not your "happy-go-lucky" feature but under Alejandro's surveillance, he somehow manages to makes a definite point out of this chaotic mess.

Alejandro González Iñárritu to me is an immensely talented director, with not a bad film (from personal opinion) in his filmography. Some films are better than others, 'Babel' to me is his weakest though still very good, but even when Iñárritu is not at his best he is still significantly better than many directors at their best and worst.It is easy to see why '21 Grams' won't appeal to everybody. It is not an easy watch and there are many other films that have better replay value, but it is still a fine film, with so many great things, that both challenges and rewards those who love the film. '21 Grams' has a non-linear structure that can feel fragmented, and there are a couple of parts that are not as clear as it could have been and cause a little confusion. The ending also could have been better rounded off.'21 Grams', as always with Iñárritu is a visual and technical marvel, with photography that's gritty, atmospheric, beautiful and intimate, clever editing and striking scenery. Iñárritu's direction is exemplary, with a breath taking vision, mastery of mood and taking risks and not holding back. The music is not amazing but it fits well.The script in '21 Grams' is tense, poignant and thought-provoking, while most of the story is thematically and dramatically gripping with plenty of intensity and emotional impact as well as a suitably bleak tone. The characters are compellingly real.Have nothing but praise for the acting, which is some of the best acting of that year. Sean Penn is splendid in one of his best performances, while Naomi Watts' performance is very close to a career-best. Best of all is Benico Del Toro who really gets into the complex meat of his character, an intense and moving performance that in no way falls into hamminess. Melissa Leo and Charlotte Gainsburg are fine too if not in the same league as the three leads.Overall, challenging but rewarding. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Alejandro González Iñárritu's 2003 drama hits the heart and examines world where death has infected the lives of three people, who are all connected to each other.As part of Iñárritu's death trilogy, 21 Grams is most certainly not a barrel of laughs, but a hard hitting emotional depiction of death. Also shot in the very appropriate visual presence of Rodrigo Prieto, the film is made up of a saddening and deep expression Exploring the lives of 3 individuals: Paul Rivers (Sean Penn), Cristina Peck (Naomi Watts), and Jack Jordan ( Benicio Del Toro) who all get affecting by the same tragic car accident that brings massive change into their lives and leads them down dark depressing roads. Rivers is an ill mathematician who needs an organ transplant and struggles to maintain a healthy relationship with his wife. Peck lives a peaceful life, until her husband and children die in a terrible car accident. Jordan is an ex convict seeking salvation in the Lord Jesus, but gets sent down hill when he gets involved in a terrible ordeal.What is at the center of 21 Grams is the powerful consistent performance of the three lead cast members pulling all their weight to carry the dark tone of the film. Watts particularly shines as the struggling widower and breaks all our hearts through the soul stirring portrayal that deserved her an Oscar nomination. Del Toro also brings a very convincing character of the broken man and his desperation to be forgiven by God, which also gave him a nomination at the Academy.Bottom line is that this is not an uplifting film, but a spiritual journey into grief and what life leaves us when death enters the world. Still more is to be discovered further in Iñárritu's Babel and Amores perros. What only flaws the film is its non-linear display which I think does very little to the structure and would work just as effectively without it.Not a cheery film for a Friday night, more of your Monday Morning film, but a very sophisticated and sad piece of work. 9.2/10