Listen….

Babel
Alejandro González Iñárritu

Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael Garcia Bernal

This was the last film I watched for 2006. I watched it December 31st while getting ready for New Year's Eve. It won the Golden Globe for Best Picture Drama the other day, that's when I remembered that I didnt write a review for the film.

A lot of people seems to compare this film with 2005 Oscar Best Picture "CRASH". Well, I dont know but I think this film is better. 

I am a big fan of Iñárritu. I consider his films sacred; 21 grams and Amores Perros! Too bad I was only able to watch three of his works, it is quite difficult to get hold of a copy for the rest. It would actually be the first time for him to have a popular release with a superstar ensemble. He was even able to convince an a-list actor to tag along. I would kneel to Iñárritu if I was Brad Pitt just to be a part of this film.

Shot in 3 continents, in 5 languages, with one message …. LISTEN!!! 

The film holds different perspectives in a multilingual approach on what would happen if love is ignored, or replaced by hate anger and discrimination! The films intent to present their goal in different perspectives was beautifully woven. Each storyline holds valuable content and the casts were able to deliver exceptional performances.

I never saw Pitt's eyes drown in tears the way I saw him did in this movie. Pitt was able to dissolve everything that he was and was able to initiate an existence of an all new persona. Cate Blanchett was also good, you could feel the depth of her pain, the hurt of losing and you could easily dwell in her emptiness. The Japanese actress, Reiko, was a revelation! The 27 yr old actress was able to portray a 17 year old mute with no effort. She was fearless in showing her full frontals for the film's sake. It was not wasted though, cause it was initiated in a way that she would still gain your pity and respect. I still do feel that Gael Garcia Bernal was underused in this film! That actor has so much talent and he was not utilized well.

I liked the ending! It was so humble and simple! The denouement and the way the movie reveals the connection between the characters were quite abrupt but was still able to hold grasp of its intent.

It's successfully tragic!