Product ReviewsBella (DVD, 2006)

An Inspired Debut from a First-Time Director

"Bella" has come to mean a lot of things for many different people. To some, it is a pro-life film; to others it is an inspirational love story; to still others it is a Woody Allen-esque treatise on multiculturalism in New York City. Perhaps the film's interpretive nature is its most winning quality—a work of art that gets people talking after they leave their seats.

"Bella" follows José, a former soccer star who is working at his brother's restaurant after his career derails. José befriends Nina, who is fired after she shows up late for work, and together they spend the day in NYC together.

The film, from first-time director Alejandro Monteverde, is by no means perfect. Some complain that it is too idealistic; others point out plot holes and production values. Still, despite these flaws the film's core function remains the same: a conversation piece about topics ranging from immigration to abortion. It will be interesting to see where Monteverde's career takes him, and what future masterpieces might come from the mind of this rising Mexican director.Read full review...

Bella A Must See for Any Family with Teenagers

I begged my twenty year old son to watch this movie. He hemmed and hawed and hemmed and hawed. I would not tell him what it was about. He finally relented and now I hear him.. my 20 Year old soon to be Marine, telling friends they must see this film. It is a great family movie for anyone with teenagers. I only disliked one part because I felt it came in the movie at the wrong time and confused me and could have been put later in the film... a sorta flashback but the film is marvelous .. Eduardo is welcome to my house anyday for Dinner, lunch or breakfast and we would attend Mass together.. I felt this movie was definetly under the guidance of higher powers and I hope this marvelous team can make more movies. Just keep Ali Larter out of them since she is the wife of the director.. she is not that great of an actress and could hurt them in the long run if they use her too much. The actress in this movie.. INCREDIBLE.Read full review...

A Film That May Move You To Tears

BELLA is one of those unpredictable films that usually may not get noticed amidst an array of movie choices to watch. As the title states, it is a film about love that is deeply rooted love between friends and family. And it is a film about living, then losing, but regaining the American dream; we see the dream lived by one Puerto Rican-Mexican American family, which reveals their rich culture of family, food, language, and religion. Although most of the film is spoken in English, there are a few scenes in Spanish accompanied with subtitles. And it is fitting that the film takes place within the so-called melting pot that is New York City.

BELLA runs a little over 90 minutes, but there are plenty of complexities within the storyline. The film also confronts the issue of perceptions, and how people perceive one another without complete communication. As the film proceeds, the character's stories are intricately told in quick snapshots. The most interesting aspect of the film is how it starts at a fast pace revealing fragments of the main characters' lives, Jose (Eduardo Verastegui), a Chef, and Nina (Tammy Blanchard), a waitress, who work for Jose's brother, Manny (Manny Perez). One day Nina is 20 minutes late for work because she was very ill; unfortunately she gets fired without having to completely explain her situation -- she's pregnant. And this incident begins the film, and Nina's constant pondering of what to do with the rest of her life, keep the child or abort it, and Jose confronting his demons of a past life he left behind four years ago.

There are plenty of moving scenes in the film that tug at the heartstrings. However, there are two scenes that stood out. One of them is when Nina and Jose walk along the street and talk to a blind man who makes paper origami figures, and offers Nina a figure that looks like a frog. Not knowing that he is blind, it is only when he asks Nina to describe to him what the city streets look like, that she realizes his blindness, and the second is the surprise ending of the film. It is scenes like these that make the littlest or biggest tokens of kindness more meaningful in one's life.

Alejandro Gomez Monteverde wrote and directed Bella, and the film won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. After watching the film, it is worthy of an Academy Award nomination as well. Indeed, this is a gem of a film that any movie viewer may want to get a glimpse because of its excellent storytelling and film making.Read full review...

Excellent story and great acting.

A man has a life-changing accident which leads him to question his values, to discern what is really important in life. The woman has an unplanned pregnancy and considers abortion as her only option. Because of his concern for her and her baby, he offers to adopt her child. Several years later they meet again with unexpected but sweet results. Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: decluttr_store

Sentimental touching movie saving a baby in an amazing way

I wrote a review several days ago for this movie. Why aren’t you getting my input?
It’s a sweet movie. I was hoping for a foreign movie but I picked wrong. Anyway my favorite thing is that Ramon Rodriguez play a happy infectious part. I love his new show will Trent and it was great to see him in a younger role.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: bigislanddiscshop

Bella-a beautiful movie

Bella pulls it off as far as being graceful and full of eternal values of pure friendship and selfless love. Samantha is a very talented actress and Eduardo and Manny played their parts very convincingly-Manny making you dislike him and Eduardo making any girl want such a sweet,loving guy with no ulterior motives-are there such men?? The Latinos want us to believe so,and this movie makes that point clear. There are some strange jumps from future to present and back again with no explanation as to what happened towards the end, but it's a very good enjoyable movie that will make you cry. I bought it for my daughter and Mexican son-in-law who are about to have their first baby and need the Lord in their lives.Read full review...

Bella (DVD, 2008)

I loved the movie because it expresses very well that there are alternatives to abortion, that there's always a way out that may be a good one. You never know if in the future you will change your mind on the decision made or regret it. It shows that if you do change your mind afterwards that the "story" can have a happy ending by being able to make amendments. If your decision was not a good one, you can't turn back time.
I decided to buy it not knowing what it was about. I just read that it was a good family movie. I'm really happy I bought it.Read full review...

One of the best films I've ever seen

This is a great film all around. It has a great, sweet and subtle message about love and life. I can't see how someone wouldn't appreciate its beauty and artistic craft, and the characters themselves. We had heard about the film, rented it and loved it. Bought it for ourselves...then decided to buy several copies and give them as gifts this Christmas! I'd recommend that everyone see this film. Please take the time to introduce yourself to this cast of characters and treat yourself to their charming story.Read full review...

Not The Romance You're Expecting!

I loved this movie. I was expecting a romance between the main characters but it's not that at all.
This is the story of 2 friends who both have very serious things going on in their lives and being there to support each other.
There are definitely some religious undertones to this movie, pro life, etc.
but it's not overbearing, and this is a beautiful story about redemption for past mistakes and how everyone deserves another chance.
A beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted movie like you've never seen before. A very unique story that will touch your heart in many ways.
Highly recommend this movie!Read full review...

Bella is Beautiful

My Apologies! I wrote a review as soon as I received the cd and sent an email back but never received a response!! Not sure what happened, But I am happy to send another.

Yes the movie was wonderful and I did enjoy it very much. It makes you think for one moment in time that a decision, action, in your life can change your circumstances forever. It had its compelling moments, where one would ask the question if this happened to you how would your life change?Read full review...