Beautiful Bella

When I watched a sneak-preview of the drama film, Bella, in early January, I wasn’t sure what it held in store. “Catch every word of it,” one told me. “Make sure you bring a box of Kleenex,” warned another.

Without further expectation, the movie began. Although made and produced in the United States (the director, Alejandro Monteverde was awarded the "Outstanding American Choice" award from President Bush), the film doesn’t follow the typical fast-paced action movie, but instead saunters through a day in the life of a young man and woman in downtown Manhattan, brought together through an unusual situation. Nina, a beautiful American waitress, is fired on the spot when she arrives late after having tested positive to a pregnancy test. José, played by the ‘Brad Pitt’ of Latin America, Eduardo Verastegui, as head chef of the restaurant, witnesses her being fired and chases after her in hope of offering solace. “Why have you arrived late three times this week Nina?” he asks her sincerely across the metro gate. “I’m pregnant,” she exclaims, her reply drenched in anguish and remorse. “Do you want to talk about it?” Debating for a second, she passes him the metro ticket through the gate she had just entered and he slides the ticket through to join her on her side.

Thus begins a day which leads viewers through the depths of suffering into the souls of two people, allowing a glimpse into pasts filled with successes, fatal mistakes, forgiveness, and healing. Both are united in their search for the meaning and value of life. Flashing back and forth between the lives of the two, the viewer is led to understand why José is so intent on convincing Nina not to abort. We also discover why Nina is so confused, undecided and left without hope, fearing her ability to raise her own child. The decisions that these two make ultimately effect each other’s lives.

By the end, the viewer understands why the film won the People’s Choice Award at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival and is being promoted by women and Pro-life organizations throughout the United States. Now, a few weeks after the release in theatres across the country, I am not the only one to appreciate the beautiful portrayal of life. The film does not preach, nor does it overlook the importance of valuing life. It deals with real situations, real people, with real families, and their real desires for happiness and meaning. These real moral dilemmas and life-struggles are chords harped upon in our own lives and the lives of those we love. This film cast the light of fidelity, friendship and redemption upon those realities that attempt to shadow our hearts. They converged to lift one’s spirits and be grateful for the gift and beauty of life.