Bella (2006)

Sooner or later every one of us will face an irreversible moment that will change our lives forever. If it hasn't happened to you yet...it will. BELLA is a true love story about how one day in New York City changed three people forever.

Director:

Alejandro Monteverde

Writers:

Alejandro Monteverde, Patrick Million,

Stars:

Eduardo Verástegui, Tammy Blanchard, Manny Perez

6 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Eduardo Verástegui	...	Jose
Tammy Blanchard	...	Nina
Manny Perez	...	Manny
Ali Landry	...	Celia
Angélica Aragón	...	Mother
Jaime Tirelli	...	Father
Ramon Rodriguez	...	Eduardo
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Lukas Behnken	...	Johannes
Peter Bucossi	...	Angry Driver
David Castro	...	David
Michael Chin	...	Bodega Clerk
Dominic Colon	...	Pepito
Hudson Cooper	...	Father on Beach
Tawny Cypress	...	Frannie
Ewa Da Cruz	...	Veronica

Storyline

An international soccer star is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that bring his career to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress, struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down... until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day to an unforgettable experience.

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Plot Keywords:

soccer | restaurant | father son relationship | mother son relationship | latino | 

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Taglines:

One Person Can Change Your Life Forever

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief disturbing images

Details

Official Sites:

MySpace Official site

Country:

USA Mexico

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

30 April 2008 (Mexico)

Also Known As:

Beauty

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,300,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$1,328,448 (USA) (26 October 2007)

Gross:

$8,108,247 (USA) (27 June 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metanoia Films, Bella Production, Burnside Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

The D train that Jose and Nina take passes over the same bridge twice, one at the beginning of it's trip, and one near the end of their trip.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Jose: [voiceover] My grandmother used to say, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."

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Connections

Featured in The O'Reilly Factor: Episode dated 5 May 2008 (2008)

User Reviews

An excellent movie - 2006 Toronto Film Festival winner

Executive Producer Steven McEveety (Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, Passion of the Christ) has put his efforts behind another sure winner, (this one without Mel Gibson)and with newcomer director/writer Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, and a cast of relatively unknown actors.

This is an intelligent and emotional film, with the action interwoven between flashbacks and the developing plot line. Because of this storytelling method, it is nearly impossible to give much detail of the story without a spoiler.

The movie centers around Nina, a young, unmarried waitress at a Mexican restaurant who finds herself pregnant and out of a job after coming in late to work several days because of morning sickness. Jose, the restaurant's chef, is taken by Nina's plight and becomes her sole confidant. Jose helps her walk through her decision on what to do with her pregnancy. In the process, he bears secrets from his own mysterious past, which reveal his tenderness and passion for her and the child she is carrying.

The film stars Eduardo Verastegui (the Mexican Brad Pitt), and Tammy Blanchard, each performing in only in their second movie role. They are excellent both individually and in their interactions with each other. You're sure to see more from both of these rising stars.

A believable script, quality acting, and effective cinematography, music, and sound kept my attention from start to finish. I had no expectations from this film and came away truly impacted--A very powerful piece of cinema. No wonder this rookie work shocked all the big name pictures to win the top prize at Toronto Film Festival.

Latest word is that it is set for release in April 2007. And don't be surprised to see this one in the running for one or more Oscars.