Biutiful: 2010

None of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarittu's previous three films (Amores perros, 21 Grams and Babel would ever be considered happy films but they are in no way a preparation for the onslaught of depression that is Biutiful. This is a classic "see it once but never again" film. There are a ton of great things about Biutiful and the main one is Javier Bardem. Playing a good hearted criminal who's just trying to support his two children, protect them from his bi-polar wife who's cheating on him with his brother (though they are technically separated) and who has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer, Bardem has never been better (including No Country For Old Men, though these are very different characters). He brings a much needed grounded humanity to the film that could easily be lost as there are very few good times to be had. Inarittu also films this cycle of despair and wreckage beautifully. The story may be an ugly one but the visuals are genuinely stunning. On the downside, while this is a very powerful film, it's also a very long film. At almost 2.5 hours and without a whole lot of uplifting moments, Inarittu basically dares the viewer to keep watching and I suspect a lot of people will be very turned off by this. Bardem's performance and Inarittu's direction make Biutiful practically a must see film but I can't imagine too many people wanting to take this journey multiple times.

Rating: 4