Saturday, April 19, 2014

21 grams (2003, USA)


"And how much fits into 21 grams? 
How much is lost? 
When do we lose 21 grams? 
How much goes with them? 
How much is gained?"

Recommended by a friend and watched on a lonely Friday night, it was a rather good plan! First of all, just in case you think what I did: no, it's not about drugs. It's more intense. Profound. Harder. So, as an  explanation: 21 grams is not referred to drugs, it's referred to the supposed weight of our souls. I had already started watching it when it hit me and it totally changed my expectations about this film.

First of all you get to know the characters, each one is deeply developed. One, Benicio del Toro, is an ex-convict, struggling through a financial and personal crisis who has found in Christ the answer to all his questions, taking it to the extreme. Another one, Sean Penn, is on the waiting list for a heart transplant. Finally, Naomi Watts, a mother of two girls and devoted wife.

It's not that simple, though. The film gets shape in a Memento-like structure. Using flashbacks and flash-forwards the story is revealed. This way it confuses you, intrigues you, lets you guess and lets you be mistaken. Step by step you build the story in your head, you connect the scenes and get more intrigued to know how they got to the one you are watching in that very moment.

As I said, this story is deep. It deals with subjects such as redemption, forgiveness, the meaning of life. Through acts, these characters fight to stay alive, from a spiritual point of view rather a physical one.

In addition, along with this unique story, the acting skills of all the cast are outstanding. Naomi Watts' above all of them. 

I really enjoyed this film. There was nothing negative I could point out. It might not be likable for everyone. But if you like different films, that make you stare at the credits thinking about what you have just watched, you might enjoy it as much as I did. 

My rate: 8/10


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