21 Grams on DVD (2004)

21 Grams weighs heavy on the mind

Ewan from Glasgow , 04/11/2004

This is a brilliant film with superb acting, a strong storyline and is definitely one to be watched. The main drawback is the initial half hour or so, where we find ourselves thrust head-first into the narrative. The editing techniques are a bit over-the-top, jumping between the main characters, showing them at different points in time, and consequently it becomes quite difficult to tell when these events are actually taking place. It really does require a lot of brainpower early on!

I would recommend that, ultimately it is worth the initial effort spent, as everything begins to unfold and come together quite nicely. The acting by Penn, Watts and Del Toro is exceptional, and they certainly are a pivotal reason as to why this film works.

Not one if you?re looking for a bit of light entertainment, but if you?re looking for something that bit heavier, then 21 Grams is the film for you.

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Very Strong, but with faults

AlexPhillips from Aberystwyth [Highly rated reviewer] , 06/03/2007

21 Grams was always going to have a very varied reaction. Many love this movie for its strong acting, well rounded characters and strong plot. Then again many dislike it for its ‘over direction’ by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

This is the second part of the Inarritu trilogy following from Amores Perros (2000) and preceding Babel (2006) and based on viewer rating this considered to be the weakest of the three. Personally this is the only one I have so far seen and overall I was not hugely impressed. The problem does lay with the snippet style direction which invokes parallels to a lesser Tarantino. Put simply the film is made up of about 30-90 second clips, out of order, of three main characters (sometimes together) which allow you to see into there differing but converging lives. Although I like how the format enables you to guess where the story is going and wonder how they got there (such as the example as it keeps flashing forward to the three of them in a car with one shot). I can’t help but think that such a thing is totally unnecessary, since like I said, it is a well acted, strong film; which would have stood out well if made in a more ‘normal’ way. Yet it is important not to dwell on such things and forget how strong all other aspects of it are.

In short this is a very strong, well acted drama and well worth a look. However it is tarnished by being slightly over stylised and trying to be too clever for its own good.

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Keep your wits sbout you!

cathyg999 from Kent , 03/10/2004

I knew nothing about this film before I watched it so I have to admit it was a real challenge working out what on earth was going on. At first I thought it was another 'Sliding Doors' with some sort of parallel life stuff going on but no - the end of the film is actually at the beginning!

Having said that on reflection I thought this film was great. The characters were gritty and full of emotion. Well worth a watch but be warned - don't go off and make a cup of tea half way through - you will never catch up.

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Low key but brilliant

Jimbocam from East Sussex , 22/11/2004

This is a quiet but unsettling film which explores mortality, regret and redemption.

The seemingly random jumps in the narrative flow from present to past and back again can be disorientating at first but, by the end, you realise that this was the best way to tell what is essentially a simple but moving story.

Benicio Del Toro, Naomi Watts and Sean Penn are magnificent and the film will stay with you for some time afterwards.

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Mix And Stick

A customer from Hull , 13/01/2006

The most original film for a long time, this follows on superbly from Tarantino's inspired use of non - linear structuring in Pulp Fiction, and Christopher Nolan subsequently following the standard with Memento, this time telling the entire story backwards. But now the director appears to have cut the film into little pieces, mixed them up, and stuck them back together again, like The Beatles' The Benefit Of Mr. Kite.

You might need a straight head to follow it, but perserve and by the end you will be well rewarded.

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SHATTERING

Jas Sidhu from London , 22/03/2005

A very powerful film with excellent performances from the whole cast.

Benicio De Toro chews up the screen playing a complex character in search of redemption following a horrific accident.

BE WARNED: This is not for those who enjoy chick flicks! Stay clear and stick to your Reese Witherspoons/Hugh Grants for an inane couple of hours.

Beautifully made with the same washed-out tones featured in 'Amores Perros', 21 Grams will leave you bruised and shattered long after the credits have rolled.

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