We watched “Bella” last evening and enjoyed it a good deal. This film was written and directed by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde and shows how new life comes through love and sacrifice. Ah, that sounds commonplace, and, of course, it is. But this is how Christians transform the world. The lead character (Jose`) works in his brother’s restaurant as head chef. Jose` is there in hiding: hiding from the pain and grief he’s suffered, hiding from others and hiding from the shame and disappointment he thinks he’s inflicted upon his family and friends. One day his brother fires a waitress for being late to work and Jose’ is moved to try to help her. This leads to a day which ends up transforming Nina (the waitress) and Jose` himself. There’s lots of emphasis on food and eating here. Table communion, shared meals, bring life. It’s a simple and beautiful story of how giving up yourself is the way to life and peace. Jose’s compassion transforms Nina. And the new Nina, changes Jose’s life . . . forever. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, do it.
Making God laugh
January 13, 2009 by Steve
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I had a similar reaction to the movie. Well done and worth watching.
My wife and I loved it!
The story shows how loving God is by taking away what we think is good for us but is actually not, and giving us what truly satisfies.
Polites, your comments are right on. I too read the NY Times review — bah, humbug. This is a very, very fine piece of work. I think the reviewer (and he’s not along in his disdain for this film) knew the Christian commitment of Alejandro Monteverde and panned it for that alone. Roger Ebert’s take is much more fair and on the mark.
Toby, yep and we see the outworking of the promise “Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together.”
My wife and I loved it also (we bought a CD). To me, it is a finely crafted, finely acted, believable story that speakes VOLUMES about spiritual issues without being a cheesy gospel tract kind of movie.
I have passed it around to everyone in my workgroup that was willing to watch it. Well liked by all.