Bella (2006)

Bella

It's a movie that keeps you attentive and the unexpected is always happening. A moral and a very clear message of what real love is.
Wonderful actors and a multicultural exposition and the richness of it.
Noemy Suarez January 2, 2009

It's a Beautiful Life

"Bella" is a finely crafted gem of a movie. It's set in New York City,over the course of a single day. Nina (Tammy Blanchard) discovers that she's pregnant. A co-worker,Jose (the handsome Eduardo Verastegui) follows her, helping her through her ordeal. There are no villains; it lacks melodrama and sappiness (thankfully) There is a hint of romance between the leads,but above all it's a story of redemption. Nina and Jose redeem each other.

"Bella" has flashbacks,flash-forwards and might-have-beens. There are the sweet relationships within Jose's family--between his Puerto Rican father and Mexican mother,his adoptive brother Manny,and his Latin lover brother Eduardo (based on Verastegui's past in Mexican telenovelas--he was cast as the heartthrob) Abortion is handled delicately, without demonizing Nina. She's a desperate woman. Even the unknown father of her child isn't demonized. Abortion is seen as an act of desperation. Jose is Christlike in his generosity&compassion towards Nina. As Nina has a possibly tragic future,Jose has a tragic past.

"Bella" is poignant and powerful. It's a perfect Christmas movie with its pro-life message. It's a cinematic epiphany. Merry Christmas! December 27, 2008

Clever pro-life propaganda

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I picked this one up off the shelf because of all the little laurel symbols on it. When the previews included a film from the director of the "Left Behind" series, I thought, "Oops, what did I get myself into?"

I turned it off when the actor playing the pregnant girl started trying her best to sound bitter and disenchanted as she spoke about her evil abortion plans, with the compassionate Jesus figure doing his patience and sensitivity thing.

And that's cool, if that's what you want. I'm only posting this review because I wish they'd just come out and say, "Hey, this is a pro-life film." But I realize that they just want to get their foot in my door; I'm sure it's an effective strategy.

I totally respect people who try their best to promote their beliefs in this way, and I want them to have the right to do it, just as I have the right to give them 1 star for doing it on the sly. ;) December 25, 2008

A must add to your video library

An incredible movie that keeps you trying to think 2 steps ahead to figure out what is going to happen next. Will she or won't she? What did he do wrong? Everything is answered, if you are patient :) Moving testament to a life sacrificed and then a life saved, with a different kind of happily ever after. December 20, 2008

Un film bellissimo

Bella è un film girato bene, con dei bravi attori e delle belle immagini ma è soprattuto un film che ha un'anima,che non deve necessariamente scorrere senza senso per un'oretta December 14, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...