Bella
Starring Eduardo Verastegui, Tammy Blanchard, and Manny Perez
Directed by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief disturbing images
Appropriate for ages 13+
Available May 6, 2008 on DVD (review is better late than never)
“If you ever want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans” is the quote that begins this remarkable film about one day that changes the lives of three people forever. Jose is a young professional soccer player with a bright future until he has an unfortunate accident that ruins his life. Years later he spends a day consoling a young girl named Nina that has just been fired from his brother’s restaurant, and helps her with a very tough life-changing decision.
This film was powerful enough to win the Toronto Film Festival in 2006, an award that typically goes to an Oscar winner. Because of the low budget and the lack of promotion, it didn’t have a chance at a major industry award, but settling for the DVD will still give you an unforgettable emotional experience that many will thank my suggestion for later.