Bella - DVD

Definitely a unique movie, that's for sure. Bella is a very hard movie to describe - this is one movie you just kind of have to see to even have a clue what it's about.What I can say is that it has the following as key themes:- How our lives can change in a moment and take us radically different directions than we planned- Strong pro-life & pro-adoption message without being too in-your-face preachy.- The importance of truly caring about and engaging with the people all around us - i.e. finding out their "story"- Reaching beyond your own pain to help someone else (and in the process, helping yourself)- The importance of family and faith- A positive view of latino culture without many of the standard stereotypes found in other moviesThis is an emotionally moving, ultimately uplifting film that has a very "real" quality to it, which is fairly rare. It was filmed/produced in a "modern" way so there's more jerky camera movement, etc. which did grate on me a tad (i.e. it got old quick), but did contribute to the "real" quality and help draw you into the story (and thus the characters). The acting was quite impressive!This is not a "preachy" movie with words so much as it preaches with its story. It allows you to see and discover the message yourself as it plays out. This movie is not "overtly Christian", though many of its key themes as shown above are ones that are very supportive and positive for Christians.As for things that concerned me: Like a number of films, this one has an undercurrent that God wants or causes the hurt and pain we see in our world. In this film's case though, it's a pretty mild undercurrent except for 1 scene where a blind guy is holding a sign that says something like "God made me blind, now I can truly see." (which while an interesting statement, is a bit unfair to assume God's the one that actively caused the blindness/wants him blind, etc.) Other than that, the only thing that really threw me off a bit with this film is that it seemed very rushed at the end. So much so that I actually briefly wondered if I had accidentally pressed the "forward" button on my remote and skipped some scenes (I didn't). It seemed like another 5-10 minutes or so could have really helped fill in a bit more at the end. With that said, the ending still "worked" and made its point effectively.All things considered, this is a unique movie that has a "modern" and "realistic" flavor that won't appeal to everyone, but is an engaging, positive, uplifting movie in the final analysis.MoviesForChristians Movie Reviewslaughandlift dot com/moviesforchristians

The (considerable) flaws in "Bella" are largely covered by fine acting and a splendid story of mercy, kindness, and trust.During most of the movie, we live through one day with José and Nina. (Keep this in mind as you watch.) The day is interrupted by flashes or scenes of memory and imagination. This piecemeal presentation is hard to follow at first, but very rewarding. We stay in step with José and Nina as their story unfolds.There is a moment late in the movie when José says, "I'll call you....I'll call you, OK?" Don't let that slip by unnoticed, as I first did.You will notice some idealizing, and the careful choice and balance of characters. You may well ponder the message of the homeless man, that delightful sidewalk seer. When it comes to design, "Bella" is more like a sonnet than a news report.Then, the emotional intensity. Tears flow. Overdone? Maybe, but we can hardly expect English reserve in a Latino-themed film. The music contributes appropriately, sometimes very gently, to the emotional tone.Some defects we'll just have to forgive: loose threads, imperfect seams. Bear in mind, however, that part of the fun is in what they don't show us."Bella" offers beauty, up-close local flavor, and a story well told. There are lots of good reasons to enjoy this film. But for me, the thing that makes "Bella" stand out is a rare vision of trustworthy love. Like a mountaintop view that calls you to a far country. Well done! And, thanks be to God.

I actually really enjoyed this! Foreign made, it has a different feel from our traditional American movies, but I felt like the authenticity of culture was really well done, and just a realness of emotions and day to day interactions. The ending wasn't quite what I expected (I won't ruin it), but overall, I was well pleased with it. And very pro-life too!

My husband and I had wanted to see this film in the theater, but, sadly, it was not given a real chance by the major theaters in our area, and we missed the opportunity. We now own the DVD, have watched the movie multiple times, and I have to say that "Bella" is one of the best films I have ever seen! It is a breath of fresh air in today's society - one which is plagued with overwhelming use of sex, extreme violence, gore, and profanity filling our choices on the big screen. This film has NONE of that - and for that, they deserve the highest praise!If you really want to have the best experience of this film, I suggest that you do not read the reviews which give away most of the story. Although difficult, I have tried not to tell family and friends what the movie is about in any detail, and that is because of my own experience viewing it for the first time with no pre-conceived notions. It is powerfully moving - particularly in the places where the story turns in unexpected directions. Let yourself be "surprised" - you will not be sorry, and you will be greatly uplifted when the film has reached its conclusion.What I WILL tell you is that this film is a great celebration of our God-given gift of life. After watching this film, many will have to give new consideration to the choices that they will make in their own lives. It explores an "angle" that may not seem popular in our present culture, but is certainly worthy of our consideration."Bella" is a MASTERPIECE, and no one over the age of 13 should be deprived of the opportunity to experience its message!