Bella
October 30th, 2007 by Fr. Gabriel Gillen, O.P.
Fr. Ben Croell O.P. and I went with some graduate students of N.Y.U. to the premiere of Bella in New York City. Everyone gave this film two thumbs ups. The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal make a cameo appearance which is impressive given the fact that they were also instrumental in putting together the film The Human Experience.
Reviews
Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN TIMES
“It is a heart-tugger with the confidence not to tug too hard … charm[ing].”
CNN
“Powerful and moving … a true inspiration.”
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
This bittersweet drama has a universal appeal … Unfolding during a single day, “Bella” avoids a sense of confinement by frequent flashbacks and an occasional flash-forward. Their significance doesn’t crystallize until the end, when the Kleenex is sure to come out … [a] touching film.
ABC NEWS
A romantic drama … Mexican director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde’s Bella tells the story of two people whose lives converge and turn upside down on a single day in New York. It has won the People’s Choice Award, which is often an indicator of future Academy Award nominations.
NEW YORK TIMES ONLINE
A man whose life is about to be changed forever discovers that sometimes it takes losing it all to finally appreciate the things that truly matter in director Alejandro Monteverde’s emotional tale of self discovery.
FOX NEWS
It’s incredibly charming, with terrific performances by Tammy Blanchard and Mexican star Eduardo Verástegui and Manny Perez. It’s directed by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde. It’s too easy to say this is the “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” of this season, because “Bella” is far more complex and sophisticated while losing none of the humor.
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: “Bella” Wins
TORONTO — A trio of Mexicans triumphed at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday when their U.S. independent drama “Bella” captured the People’s Choice Award, voted on by festival audiences…. “These Mexican guys go to America and beat the American independents at their game — it’s impressive”
VARIETY
This movie depicts the culture but also transcends it … It has universal appeal.
