186 reviews
I had the privilege of catching a sneak-peak of Bella before it won the Tronto Film Festival, followed by a Q&A with the director and some of the cast members. I cannot stress how very humble and real they all are. As for the film, being from the Midwest, I've watched TV all my life. Flipping channels it's funny how you stumble across films that you don't think anyone has ever heard of; but later you grow to realize that that one film, that one film you watched late one Thursday night, made such a difference in the way you chose to carry yourself through life that you became a part of it, and it a part of you. You don't know why, but for some reason, you just needed to see it: Bella is that film.
I thought this was a surprisingly-good "chick flick" until the final 15 minutes when it got ultra-weeping "Lifetime Network" on us, but overall is a film which should appeal to a lot of people. Yes, it's pure melodrama but: ladies, it's so well done that it should keep your husband or boyfriend interested most of the way.
This also is beautifully photographed. Man, for a small-budget independent film with basically no-name actors, this has all the visual slickness of a Spielberg film. Also, the food in here looks so good it will have you salivating.
The main ingredient in this award-winning film is "charm," I would think. Everyone is pretty likable, there's a lot of emotion and the characters are very realistic. If you elaborated on the story, it might sound extremely boring because mainly it's a day in the life of two people. They both work in a restaurant and she gets fired for being late again and he goes after her to see if she's okay. As the day goes on, the two work out past traumas with the ending being a tear-jerker feel-good one.
For a film in which most viewers probably aren't familiar with the director or the actors, it is impressive. What's odd about this film, in addition to being interesting despite almost nothing going on, is that there is absolutely no profanity or sex, either. I suppose some could look at this movie as some sappy do-gooder type story, but it isn't. It's so professionally done that you kind of feel like a fly on the wall, content to just observing and being a part of these people's lives for a day.
This also is beautifully photographed. Man, for a small-budget independent film with basically no-name actors, this has all the visual slickness of a Spielberg film. Also, the food in here looks so good it will have you salivating.
The main ingredient in this award-winning film is "charm," I would think. Everyone is pretty likable, there's a lot of emotion and the characters are very realistic. If you elaborated on the story, it might sound extremely boring because mainly it's a day in the life of two people. They both work in a restaurant and she gets fired for being late again and he goes after her to see if she's okay. As the day goes on, the two work out past traumas with the ending being a tear-jerker feel-good one.
For a film in which most viewers probably aren't familiar with the director or the actors, it is impressive. What's odd about this film, in addition to being interesting despite almost nothing going on, is that there is absolutely no profanity or sex, either. I suppose some could look at this movie as some sappy do-gooder type story, but it isn't. It's so professionally done that you kind of feel like a fly on the wall, content to just observing and being a part of these people's lives for a day.
- ccthemovieman-1
- May 7, 2008
- Permalink
Executive Producer Steven McEveety (Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, Passion of the Christ) has put his efforts behind another sure winner, (this one without Mel Gibson)and with newcomer director/writer Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, and a cast of relatively unknown actors.
This is an intelligent and emotional film, with the action interwoven between flashbacks and the developing plot line. Because of this storytelling method, it is nearly impossible to give much detail of the story without a spoiler.
The movie centers around Nina, a young, unmarried waitress at a Mexican restaurant who finds herself pregnant and out of a job after coming in late to work several days because of morning sickness. Jose, the restaurant's chef, is taken by Nina's plight and becomes her sole confidant. Jose helps her walk through her decision on what to do with her pregnancy. In the process, he bears secrets from his own mysterious past, which reveal his tenderness and passion for her and the child she is carrying.
The film stars Eduardo Verastegui (the Mexican Brad Pitt), and Tammy Blanchard, each performing in only in their second movie role. They are excellent both individually and in their interactions with each other. You're sure to see more from both of these rising stars.
A believable script, quality acting, and effective cinematography, music, and sound kept my attention from start to finish. I had no expectations from this film and came away truly impacted--A very powerful piece of cinema. No wonder this rookie work shocked all the big name pictures to win the top prize at Toronto Film Festival.
Latest word is that it is set for release in April 2007. And don't be surprised to see this one in the running for one or more Oscars.
This is an intelligent and emotional film, with the action interwoven between flashbacks and the developing plot line. Because of this storytelling method, it is nearly impossible to give much detail of the story without a spoiler.
The movie centers around Nina, a young, unmarried waitress at a Mexican restaurant who finds herself pregnant and out of a job after coming in late to work several days because of morning sickness. Jose, the restaurant's chef, is taken by Nina's plight and becomes her sole confidant. Jose helps her walk through her decision on what to do with her pregnancy. In the process, he bears secrets from his own mysterious past, which reveal his tenderness and passion for her and the child she is carrying.
The film stars Eduardo Verastegui (the Mexican Brad Pitt), and Tammy Blanchard, each performing in only in their second movie role. They are excellent both individually and in their interactions with each other. You're sure to see more from both of these rising stars.
A believable script, quality acting, and effective cinematography, music, and sound kept my attention from start to finish. I had no expectations from this film and came away truly impacted--A very powerful piece of cinema. No wonder this rookie work shocked all the big name pictures to win the top prize at Toronto Film Festival.
Latest word is that it is set for release in April 2007. And don't be surprised to see this one in the running for one or more Oscars.
- PhantomAgony
- Feb 13, 2011
- Permalink
This film is due for release in April 2007. Any reviews prior to this date (including this one) are from people who saw it at a film festival or at a pre-screening like I did. The one I attended had a question and answer session at the end along with a handout that asked people to help promote the film by writing positive reviews. Make no mistake; this is a Catholic-inspired movie with an unabashed pro-life message.
In the beginning, a very hirsute Jose, looking very much like my conception of Jesus Christ (I actually found this rather distracting and Eduardo Verastegui looks nothing at all like he does in the main promotional poster), is working as a chef in his brother's Mexican restaurant in New York City. His co-worker, Nina, is unmarried and finds herself pregnant, late for work, and consequently unemployed. The two then spend the day together and Jose, as a friend, is both consoling and supportive as she comes to terms with the decisions she must make.
Although slow in parts, the acting is believable, the script intelligent (albeit with some odd bits and a few things that didn't make much sense), and the cinematography remarkable. And the message, although not subtle, is not overbearing. If you are Christian, and especially if you are pro-life, you will love this film. And even if you're not it may well bring a tear to your eye. After all, it did win the People's Choice award at the Toronto Film Festival in 2006.
In the beginning, a very hirsute Jose, looking very much like my conception of Jesus Christ (I actually found this rather distracting and Eduardo Verastegui looks nothing at all like he does in the main promotional poster), is working as a chef in his brother's Mexican restaurant in New York City. His co-worker, Nina, is unmarried and finds herself pregnant, late for work, and consequently unemployed. The two then spend the day together and Jose, as a friend, is both consoling and supportive as she comes to terms with the decisions she must make.
Although slow in parts, the acting is believable, the script intelligent (albeit with some odd bits and a few things that didn't make much sense), and the cinematography remarkable. And the message, although not subtle, is not overbearing. If you are Christian, and especially if you are pro-life, you will love this film. And even if you're not it may well bring a tear to your eye. After all, it did win the People's Choice award at the Toronto Film Festival in 2006.
I went to the Toronto Film Festival and was looking forward to seeing J-lo's new flick as well as Brad Pitts and Sean Penn's new films as I heard one of those were probably going to win the Oscar bound Peoples choice award at the festival.I screened this unknown movie Bella in Toronto at the Film Festival because I was given a ticket to see it. After seeing the film and participating in a standing ovation with everyone else who saw it and being almost as moved by the touching Q and A afterwards I remember leaving that theater thinking that in a just world that film and those producers would walk away with every award...when I found out that it actually did...that it beat all those other films and that it is now on Oscar's radar I actually felt good about the world in general and the movie industry in particular.
- tanyatwiggs
- Sep 19, 2006
- Permalink
Got a chance to see this at the Heartland Film festival. The movie builds some nice suspense early on. The characters are richly developed. The cinematography was beautiful and engaging. You get a real feel for the anguish of Jose and Nina. And the visit with Jose's family is a wonderful picture of a passionate and loving family. The film makers do a nice job weaving several time lines together. All of this is going along well, slowly developing and unfolding, good story, and then out of nowhere it ends abruptly with a confusing and disjointed ending that really doesn't make any sense. I don't get it, everyone spoke of this movie with such high regard, but a story with a lousy ending kind of kills it for me. Too bad, nice film other than the last 10 minutes.
Having heard that this film won at Toronto, I was anxious to see it. Although it has not yet been widely released, I was fortunate to attend at a recent sneak preview and found it to be incredibly refreshing and subtly powerful. Stylistically, newcomer director Alejandro Monteverde does a superb job pacing the story -- combining just the right amounts of character, humor, and mystery into a package that satisfies on multiple levels -- intellectually, visually, emotionally, symbolically, etc. The photography -- shot in and around the streets of Manhattan and Long Island -- is top notch, reminding me of James Crabe's amazing cinematography along the streets of Philadelphia in Rocky (1977)....and the editing, relying heavily on jump cuts, keeps the story moving along in multiple time frames to great effect.
The actors all shine in their roles, particularly Mexican superstar Eduardo Verástegui and Tammy Blanchard, who portray their particularly complex relationship -- between a cook and a waitress in a Mexican restaurant -- with finesse. Additionally, the filmmakers do an excellent job presenting Hispanic culture in a manner that shatters the ridiculous stereotypes that are often presented in mainstream television and film. The scenes taking place at the cook's Hispanic parents' house are particularly funny, charming, and poignant. Also, the film portrays some very powerful emotional moments that have tremendous staying power long after leaving the theater.
In short, this is subtly powerful film that everyone should see.
The actors all shine in their roles, particularly Mexican superstar Eduardo Verástegui and Tammy Blanchard, who portray their particularly complex relationship -- between a cook and a waitress in a Mexican restaurant -- with finesse. Additionally, the filmmakers do an excellent job presenting Hispanic culture in a manner that shatters the ridiculous stereotypes that are often presented in mainstream television and film. The scenes taking place at the cook's Hispanic parents' house are particularly funny, charming, and poignant. Also, the film portrays some very powerful emotional moments that have tremendous staying power long after leaving the theater.
In short, this is subtly powerful film that everyone should see.
This movie should've ended WAY different. I would've have Jose and Nina marry and then show them on the beach with their 5 yr old daughter, Bella. I am left with all these questions. 1. Why didn't Nina and Jose marry? Where was she for 5 yrs? Is she just now seeing her daughter after 5 yrs?? Why?? Stupid ending.
I was able to see Bella at a special screening for the NCLR Lideres Summit in Miami,Florida last week. Manny Perez,Eduardo Verastegui, and the producer were present.Also a representative from the Smithsonian was there since Bella is not a part of the Hispanic History Museum at the Smithsonian. The performances are OK, very subtle. They almost straddle the line between under acting or just plain,simple, raw emotion.
Tammy Blanchard as Nina gives the most varied performance. She is perhaps the best thing about this film,she is able to show a variety of emotions in a very convincing manner. I know Eduardo Verastegui means well but he is still used as an attractive visual in this film.It will take a lot for him to rub off his boy band/heartthrob image. Throughout the film you could hear the girls whispering about how "hot" he was.Manny Perez does a good job as Eduardo's somewhat eccentric brother. Angelica Aragon is very underused and the rest of the cast gives decent but not stellar performances.
The message in Bella is good, time after time after time you see situations in where different entities appear to be different but are united because they are humans. A very strong and positive message in a time where there is so much division not only in the U.S. but in the world.
The cinematography and score are top notch.However, if critics aren't able to love other parts of the movie I doubt this will get much recognition.
The movie is not done excellently. The climax comes a bit too early.The development is slow. The ending as many have said is a bit awkward.Talks of Oscar by the cast and the producer are a bit delusional and immature. The cast will certainly not get any nominations. The film as a whole could possibly stand a chance simply on message much like Crash but there are probably 40 films this year that have more hype or have proved their quality at the box office.About 20 of the hyped films would have to severely falter for Bella to even be mentioned in the same breath as those that come through the first few award chopping blocks.
Bella is a movie with a positive, universal, appropriate, and resounding message that needs to be heard. However, the road communicating this message is bumpy,inconsistent,slow, and filled with gaping potholes. Bella is a movie to pass the time and maybe learn something but not a film that will change people or change the world.
Tammy Blanchard as Nina gives the most varied performance. She is perhaps the best thing about this film,she is able to show a variety of emotions in a very convincing manner. I know Eduardo Verastegui means well but he is still used as an attractive visual in this film.It will take a lot for him to rub off his boy band/heartthrob image. Throughout the film you could hear the girls whispering about how "hot" he was.Manny Perez does a good job as Eduardo's somewhat eccentric brother. Angelica Aragon is very underused and the rest of the cast gives decent but not stellar performances.
The message in Bella is good, time after time after time you see situations in where different entities appear to be different but are united because they are humans. A very strong and positive message in a time where there is so much division not only in the U.S. but in the world.
The cinematography and score are top notch.However, if critics aren't able to love other parts of the movie I doubt this will get much recognition.
The movie is not done excellently. The climax comes a bit too early.The development is slow. The ending as many have said is a bit awkward.Talks of Oscar by the cast and the producer are a bit delusional and immature. The cast will certainly not get any nominations. The film as a whole could possibly stand a chance simply on message much like Crash but there are probably 40 films this year that have more hype or have proved their quality at the box office.About 20 of the hyped films would have to severely falter for Bella to even be mentioned in the same breath as those that come through the first few award chopping blocks.
Bella is a movie with a positive, universal, appropriate, and resounding message that needs to be heard. However, the road communicating this message is bumpy,inconsistent,slow, and filled with gaping potholes. Bella is a movie to pass the time and maybe learn something but not a film that will change people or change the world.
- amelchor-stu
- Jul 25, 2007
- Permalink
- ignatiusloyala
- Nov 19, 2008
- Permalink
I had the privilege of seeing "Bella" at the Toronto Film Festival and was amazed by this beautiful love story! After i heard the buzz about this little film i decided to go see it with out knowing what to expect and i was blown away. Actually, i think it is best to see this film without knowing anything about the story. A lot of people were surprised when Bella took the top prize at Toronto except for me and the other people who saw the film. Our screening ended in a standing ovation and the Q&A went so long that the moderator had to cut it off. The performances were incredible and the directing was remarkable. It was a powerful experience with a lot of unexpected twists and turns... especially the ending. It is amazing that this little film beat out all of this years Oscar hopefuls to get the most coveted Award at Toronto but it could not have happened to a better film. Congrats!
- anita_baena
- Sep 16, 2006
- Permalink
This is not an Oscar movie. Movies like this don't win Oscars. There's no naked Gwenth Palthrow or foul mouthed Julia Roberts. There's no nudity, period. Yes, it is heart warming and demonstrates good family and moral values. It also has a very positive insight into Hispanic families which is quite sweet. While it starts out slow and you know what's going to happen, the unique direction showing the future before it occurs can be somewhat disconcerting but when you finally learn who Bella is, you can't help but get a lump in your throat. But those who think there's hope for Hollywood are naive. This is an independent film from a new production company called Metanoia whose mission is to produce good family features. I wish them luck But since they couldn't even get a distributor for Bella only word of mouth will help. I wish them well
The audience for this movie is almost predictable -- left-leaning yuppies who yearn for the passion they imagine all Latinos just ooze. Actually, in this movie they do ooze it, along with a white woman who works at the Latino restaurant. Boy, this director lays it on super-thick! The boxes are all ticked off in the heart-tug departments. Still, the editing was superb and everyone tried real hard (okay, too hard). If you want your heart thrown against a wall in a good way, go for it. If you're likely to be nauseated by earnest, overwrought dramatics -- maybe skip it. Either way, the Nina Simone song was worth the price alone -- and nicely integrated ( the movie in fact could have and maybe should have ended right there). Oh yeah -- and anyone who interprets this movie politically re. the abortion issue really needs to get a life.
I was astonished after seeing the film Bella. I was impressed, inspired, uplifted and sobered all at the same time. The film is powerful and thought provoking. Each scene blends perfectly into the next creating and weaving an intricate and detailed story without being self indulgent. The actors make choices that are simple yet powerful. Every character lets their humanity show in a way that causes the audience to fall in love with them throughout the course of the movie. Both the story and the characters are realistic and every scene of the movie is packed with truth. Audiences can see aspects of their own lives and situations in every scene of this masterfully composed story.
The direction was good but the story was weak. This film would be better if the script were more develop. Eduado Verastegui (Jose) was great his character was simple and he has personality, Tammy Blanchard (Nina) I think that her character was good but not complete I want to know more about her, and how was the relationship with her boyfriend? none of this was mention unless I missed something but anyways I like the idea and how the family get together and enjoy as a family that was very nice. During the movie few things were odd to me like Nina and Jose it seems that they were dating before because when Jose takes her to his parents house his parents seems that they know her. The movie went too fast because everything happen in one day except the end which I thought was confused because if many years have past Jose appearance did not change which I thought was a goof.
BELLA is a poignant portrayal of love-conquers-all that runs the gamut from spellbinding to uplifting with a firm but gentle hand as the writer tells a tale of fallen dreams that breathes life into a dying world where family, faith, and friends are re-discovered and claimed as the "ties that bind." The captivating cast as well as the crew embody the very essence of family life among the Latino community yet the writing is so cleverly crafted that it transcends the tumult and transition of recovering from shattered spirits in any family of any ethnic background. The "realness" of the plot and characters makes you feel like you're in the middle of every scene!
- michaelconley
- Sep 21, 2006
- Permalink
Bella tells the story of two people's experience over one day in New York. One is a young waitress who's just been fired on account of being late for the third day in a row, the other is young man who was a famous soccer player but now works as main chef for the same restaurant for reasons we don't at first know. When the waitress is fired, the chef goes with her and they begin a journey that will culminate in a decision that will affect both their lives forever.
Bella is a great story; there's no doubt about that. Unless you are completely heartless, the story will move you by the end. The back stories we find out about both of these characters are excellent. Yes, story is not where Bella lacks at all. The plot is told intriguingly through inter-cut times and places. This does what it can to help move along the too slow film. Where Bella really falls is in it's pacing which just didn't move quickly enough.
The actors are nothing that special, both giving fine but unmemorable performances. The script itself is rather chatty, having our characters talking a little too much in pivotal scenes. However, Bella is definitely worth a view, and has a wonderful message for today. One only wishes this story could have been told just a little bit better. 7/10 stars...
Jay Addison
Bella is a great story; there's no doubt about that. Unless you are completely heartless, the story will move you by the end. The back stories we find out about both of these characters are excellent. Yes, story is not where Bella lacks at all. The plot is told intriguingly through inter-cut times and places. This does what it can to help move along the too slow film. Where Bella really falls is in it's pacing which just didn't move quickly enough.
The actors are nothing that special, both giving fine but unmemorable performances. The script itself is rather chatty, having our characters talking a little too much in pivotal scenes. However, Bella is definitely worth a view, and has a wonderful message for today. One only wishes this story could have been told just a little bit better. 7/10 stars...
Jay Addison
- jaddison383
- Nov 6, 2007
- Permalink
- SANFRANFILMFAN
- Dec 26, 2008
- Permalink
I was deeply moved by Bella! It's a movie with great heart and a fantastic cast. The acting blew me away! Eduardo Verastegui and Tammy Blanchard played well together. Who ever did the casting did a phenomenal job! I was at a Q&A and Tammy Blanchard was given flowers- she was very sincere and seemed deeply touched. It's nice to see good characters on screen but who would of thought they are good characters in real life too. I left the theater feeling truly touched and inspired because of the movie and the Q&A! I enjoyed the cinematography and the music was well picked. In fact, I can't wait for the music CD of Bella to come out! I really enjoyed this movie- it was beautiful!
- timwarding
- Sep 19, 2006
- Permalink
- gman-91915
- Apr 18, 2015
- Permalink
If you did not have a related experience in your life, this movie will have no relevance. I was bored twenty minutes into the move but it dragged on for another hour. There's really no transition as the ending is sloppy at best.
It is really pathetic appeal to emotions but failed terribly for me. I felt like laughing because it was so unbelievable. The actors tried their best but there really was no substance. I felt that it was a waste of some of the actors' efforts because they were really good.
If you want to listen to a relaxing soundtrack, this movie if for you. If you wanted an interesting coherent story, this movie is lacking.
It is really pathetic appeal to emotions but failed terribly for me. I felt like laughing because it was so unbelievable. The actors tried their best but there really was no substance. I felt that it was a waste of some of the actors' efforts because they were really good.
If you want to listen to a relaxing soundtrack, this movie if for you. If you wanted an interesting coherent story, this movie is lacking.