21 Grams

"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? 21 grams. The weight of a stack of 5 nickels. The weight of a humming bird. A chocolate bar. How much does 21 grams weigh?"

Written by Mexican Guillermo Arriaga, and Directed by Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu this disturbing and touching crime/drama/thriller was nominated for 2 Oscars and 36 other nominations and another 28 wins in 2003. Showcasing acting powerhouses like English Naomi Watts, Puerto Rican Benicio Del Toro and American Sean Penn, this 2003 film shows how 3 people's lives cross in the most daunting of circumstances and how their love, bravery, desires and faith are tested to their highest capacities ever.

With a budget of $20 million USD and a run-time of 124 minutes the film switches back and forth through time to show the weight of the subject as well as the reason of how our 3 main actors' paths meet in the first place. Exquisite camera angles and lovely cinematography sunsets with the flight of birds, film-makers go beyond the usual routine and shoot something massively intriguing. I absolutely love the moment when all 3, Paul Rivers (played by Penn), Christina Peck (Watts) and Jack Jordan (Del Toro) combat each other and despite it's high energy, the sound is completely mute.

Serious subject matter, language, and nudity but fascinating from start to finish.

Viva la Mexico for marvelous film-making! :)