Members Reviews Voted Most Helpful
|
You rated this movie: 5
|
Reviewed by: OR
See my reviews
|
Babel review by OR
Behind the babble
(4) of (4) members found this review helpful.
They say that only 20% of human communication is verbal. In this masterful work, language only serves to clutter and confuse as three loosely interlocking stories unfold across three different continents. Moments of connection take place only when language ceases, whilst the babble of different tongues and cultures serve only to reinforce separation.
This is film making at its most evocative and provoking. Beautiful cinematography frames a highly intelligent script, a beautiful score and powerful understated performances from A-listers and unknowns alike.
Do yourself a favor and rent this.
|
|
|
|
You rated this movie: 4
|
Reviewed by: Tim from London
See my reviews
|
Babel review by Tim from London
A truly impressive film
(2) of (4) members found this review helpful.
A hugely impressive film which is on a much larger scale than the director's last 2 films - unlike Amores Perros which looks at life in Mexico and 21 Gramms which looks at American sub culture - this film spans three continents and several languages (hence the title). It superfically tells the story of an American tourist who is accidently shot in Morocco and the various people's lives who are affected and implicated by this - but it's really about people trying to communicate with each other across different cultures and communities, and the problems that people face communicating with each other. A wonderful and gripping film with lots of cross cutting storylines and sharp editing - ala Magnolia or Robert Altman - and a genuinely touching ending. A great film by a great modern director.
|
|
|
|
You rated this movie: 5
|
Reviewed by: Rubber Ducky
See my reviews
|
Babel review by Rubber Ducky
Outstanding
(1) of (2) members found this review helpful.
A superb film with outstanding performances from everyone involved. The film is powerful, emotional and harrowing at times, but also shows some hope. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett are tourists in Morocco who are having problems with their marriage when she gets shot in a freak accident by mountain children. Back in USA, their children are being cared for by the Mexican nanny who introduces them to the culture shock of her son's wedding in Mexico. A third story revolves around a profoundly deaf Japanese teenager who is desparate for a normal life but can't seem to communicate with those around her. The way the film moves between the stories and links them together is brilliant and sometimes shocking. A highly recommended piece of cinema.
|
|
|
|
Recent Reviews of Babel by our members
|
You rated this movie: 5
|
Reviewed by: JD
See my reviews
|
Babel review by JD
Multiple parallel plots
(0) of (1) members found this review helpful.
All the plots, and there are many, which are played out not quite synchronously are connected but often only just. This degree of multiplicity is very engaging and invites comparison. The plots are very different almost opposite. The frustrations of a deaf Japanese adolecent, the dull incestuous life of a Moroccan goatherd boy, an illegal immigrant Mexican nanny trying to attend her son's wedding, two Americans trying to patch up a marriage by touring Morocco and a desperately poor Moroccan family helping the pretty demanding Americans, one of whom speaks no English. I would contest that there are several other smaller sub-plots. In any event the most compelling comparison is language or lack of it.
The most compelling reason for watching this is not just Brad and Kate who are good but truly amazing performances by the Japanese and Moroccan actors/actresses. I was greatly impressed and, in no little way, moved. The best director award was well deserved.
|
|
|
|
To rent Babel just join the Cinema Paradiso DVD rental service today and get a free DVD rental trial.
