Film Review: 21 Grams

Title: 21 Grams
Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Written by: Guillermo Arriaga
Year Released: 2003
Grade: A

Paul Rivers: How many lives do we live? How many times do we die? They say we all lose 21 grams... at the exact moment of our death. Everyone. And how much fits into 21 grams? How much is lost? When do we lose 21 grams? How much goes with them? How much is gained? How much is gained? Twenty-one grams. The weight of a stack of five nickels. The weight of a hummingbird. A chocolate bar. How much did 21 grams weigh?

Alejandro González Iñárritu's films always feel like huge, sprawling pieces of work even when he is trying to do something more intimate. I thought his first film Amores Perros, was good, but not great and I absolutely loved his follow up to 21 Grams, Babel. I still have to check out both Biutiful and Birdman, which both look stunning. Whatever the case, I am sure he will always be counted on in my books to make nothing less than a good movie. 21 Grams belongs in the same group as Babel quality wise, offering us a look at several different characters and showing us how the paths they take in life and their stories are inevitably all connected in the grand scheme of things.

21 Grams follows three main characters: "Paul Rivers," a critically ill man in need of a heart transplant, "Jack Jordan," a born again Christian ex-convict, and "Cristina Peck," a grieving mother who loses her two daughters and husband in a freak accident. Bits and pieces are shown of each of their stories throughout the film and by the time the movie comes to a close, the puzzle comes together revealing the full spectrum of their devastating tale.

I don't want to give away too much information because the power that lies within the developments is something people need to experience themselves. I will say that each story is powerful enough to stand on it's own and when they do all click together, the result is nothing short of staggering.

The trio of actors at the forefront are all spectacular, each doing magnificent work. At the top of the pile is definitely Naomi Watts, digging into some dark, gritty places as Cristina. If Charlize Theron hadn't won that year for her extraordinary work in Monster, I believe Naomi Watts would have won the Oscar. I didn't understand all the hype over her work in Mulholland Drive (extremely overrated and SO confusing), but her performance here is excellent. Sean Penn, so good in Mystic River in the same year, is also great here showing us that "Paul" has always wanted something more than the life he was given. The heart transplant he so desperately needs could be the key to unlocking that path. Benicio Del Toro is also amazing as the Christian ex-convict who seeks redemption for all the bad choices he's made, but begins to question if his faith has been guiding him in the right direction all along, as well. Of the supporting cast, Melissa Leo and Charlotte Gainsbourg stand out from the rest as "Jack's" wife, and "Paul's" wife, respectively.

People accuse AGI of being too dour and depressing with his films, however I think he is an amazing film maker with a very strong voice. Life isn't always peaches and cream and Alejandro dives into the darkness of it all without fear and his results are brilliant to watch on screen. Redemption comes at a price and is an unfortunate, but fortunate part of life as well, and how ultimately it can connect us all whether we plan it to or not is fascinating to see.