Rent 21 Grams (2003)

A difficult film which can be rather 'heavy' at times, but a very interesting one - 21 Grams review by Philip in Paradiso

This is the story of an academic (Sean Penn) who will die unless he gets a heart transplant. What follows is the story of his heart transplant, his relationship with his wife (Charlotte Gainsbourg), and the role of 2 other couples that cross his path. The story is centred on S Penn, whose acting is good. But I found that of Naomi Watts better. However, the acting of Benicio Del Toro is, in my view, by far the most powerful and gripping: his presence on screen is simply amazing. He is like a wounded bull that is fighting against fate and tragedy. His acting is simply superior and breathtaking.

Although the movie takes place in America, the underlying themes are unmistakeably Hispanic (Spanish/ Mexican, given the background of the director): death Vs life, fate and destiny, grief and passion, loss and regrets, love and hate, tragedy and the desire for revenge... Add to this the fact that the director deliberately jumbles up the story line (it doesn't follow a linear/ chronological order, but is a juxtaposition of storylines and very frequent flashbacks), and this means that the film can be tiring -- almost exhausting. The combination of the confused storyline (during the 1st hour, at any rate, until things fall into place and you start making sense of the plot) and the intense tragedy and passion are not for the faint-hearted.

So, in many ways, it is an unusual film, very intense, deep and difficult; it involves you on a profound emotional level with the questions it asks, with explicit religious (Christian) references and sub-themes. I felt overwhelmed and exhausted at first, also because the camera seems to move in a jittery way all the time. But it is an interesting film and I am happy I have seen it. It is a one-of-a-kind sentimental drama, which (almost) becomes a thriller towards the end.

Be prepared, and you will enjoy it. But you will need to be prepared!

Tragedy - 21 Grams review by Cherry

Well, things just go from bad to worse for the three main characters involved. Didn't know what was going on at the start of the film, but got into it, and ended up thinking the film was interesting, but heavy.

not to clever - 21 Grams review by CP Customer

hard to keep up to all lot of flashbacks

Compelling Drama - 21 Grams review by GI

An astounding, powerful and at times very moving thriller with some fantastic performances and a very clever edited construction. This is a film put together like a puzzle but with all the pieces in random order so the timelines jump about allowing the viewer to see events before knowing their significance. This works really well and doesn't feel like a gimmick but gives the story added twists and depth. It's the story of three characters whose lives become intertwined following a tragic event. Jack (Benicio Del Toro) is an ex con and recovering alcoholic who has turned to devout Christianity in order to change his life but when he accidentally kills a man and two daughters in a car crash the tragic event sends his world crashing down. Cristina (Naomi Watts) is the wife and mother who loses her family as a consequence and struggles with the immense grief and finds solace in the arms of Paul (Sean Penn), a man who has a secret that will affect all their lives. This is a superb film, it's a cause and effect narrative that looks at the effect of sudden death on life and tries to offer some meaning to tragedy and the depth of human feelings in the brief period we call life. At times it's a really emotional experience and the three main performances are award nominated and the cast also has Melissa Leo, Danny Huston, Eddie Marsan and Charlotte Gainsbourg making for some powerhouse acting. This is a top class film and one I highly recommend if you've not seen it.