Before We Say Goodbye (2010) User Reviews

Fine Work, Excellent Character Development

[pperry87 · 8/10 · 2 June 2011]

I recently saw this movie and found it to be an excellent indie work with terrific character development. The Hispanic-American population is in many ways an ignored population when it comes to film, so it is good to have someone who devotes their time, effort and money to giving it life.

If you are not familiar with Paul Davids other work, you should be. His is an eclectic body of work that covers such subjects as Roswell (America's UFO capital) to a fascinating film called "Jesus in India," about a man's search for the secret life of Jesus. Paul's varied interests have brought him to this topic. He is a true explorer.

Before We Say Goodbye

[grgdean · 8/10 · 6 June 2011]

I took a friend of mine with me to see Before We Say Goodbye. He, being from back east, was sincerely touched by the commitment to the Catholic Religion as the main character portrayed. She reminded him of his grandmother's and his mother's devotion and actually brought him to tears. I loved how true-to-life the characters/movie was to the Hispanic culture. Being Hispanic and raised in Santa Fe, NM all my life, it was dead-on on every character that was in my life in one way or another. From the devoted mom to the skeptical sister, to the talented son that "could have been." This movie is totally and completely a remarkable portrayal of strong, dysfunctional, loving, religious, humorous, committed, etc etc Hispanic families are.

A Miraculous Conception

[planetjillebean · 8/10 · 9 June 2011]

Before We Say Goodbye is a modern portrayal of a Hispanic family coping with the realities of life and death. Although the scenario is based on a Hispanic viewpoint, any family can relate to one or more of the situations that take place throughout the film: from coping with the death of a loved one, to marriage and financial problems, to not agreeing with one's family values or religions, or just trying to be accepted as oneself amongst a family unit.

The story is told through Ramona, the steadfast mother, who continues to have faith that a miracle is possible to save Carlos (her dying husband) despite all odds. As we journey with her in her quest, we also experience what other members of the family are going through in their own lives and in their relation to Ramona and Carlos.

Although Ramona doesn't quite end up getting the miracle she expects, the story has an uplifting finale that leaves her (and us) with an undeniable affirmation of hope and empowering strength to go on. This is an emotionally moving film that reminds us we all have different problems and beliefs in life, but things usually work out… just as they are meant to, which at times, in itself, can be a phenomenon perceived as a miracle.

A Hispanic "It's A Wonderful Life"

[robert_edward_hegel · 10/10 · 26 May 2011]

There are few very good movies that take us into the Hispanic-American world of the American Southwest. One of them is Robert Redford's The Milagro Beanfield War and a second is the newly completed Before We Say Goodbye, directed by Paul Davids. The latter movie is less fanciful then Redford's, and more deeply touching. It takes us into the life of a real family in Albuquerque building atmosphere and situation and character slowly so that we get to know and care about these people. The film is full of laughs, but also deep sadness. One takes away a detailed and nuanced sense of the interior life of a Catholic Hispanic family with all its complexity. There are true-believing Catholics, lukewarm believers, and even one atheist. Problems range from soap-opera-ish extramarital affairs to academic career problems in archaeological research. The camera work masterfully takes you inside the homes of these people. It lets you feel their humble warmth and particular visual flavor. This is a movie that can be watched repeatedly and enjoyed more every time, much as can Redford's Milagro Beanfield War. This is the best sign of a great movie. One is reminded of It's A Wonderful Life. But in this case it's a Hispanic life. This movie places a new gem in the crown of typically American cinema.

A milestone Hispanic-American film

[Dejael · 10/10 · 25 June 2010]

I recently attended a private screening of this film, and found it to be very engaging and involving subject matter. I don't normally see these sort of movies, but upon viewing the trailer, I just had to see the film! Also, as a non-Catholic protestant, I did not find the story to be done from my point of view, but it was well done, regardless. Great cast, acting, direction, script, story, use of production values, locations, cinematography, with warm lighting and a colorful scenic backdrop for the story. And the theme music is memorable, with a good music score. I'm looking forward to seeing this movie again when it is in general release! This film should be a great success! I congratulate Paul Davids and Patricia Crespin!

Before We Say Goodbye

[goodfilms11 · 10/10 · 6 June 2011]

Universal appeal, deeply moving, Before We Say Goodbye is a film depicting a Hispanic family but honestly, it reflects all families; exposing both their strengths and their weaknesses. Paul Davids has woven a rich experience by keeping the filming simple and authentic. The actors come across real characters, and the story will catch you and hold you from the first scene till the last, as it asks and gently answers the question, "What is a modern miracle, and how does it compare with miracle's of old?" The musical soundtrack is superb, The story is touching. It will make you laugh and cry and sometimes it will make you do both at once. I haven't met anyone who has seen it that didn't appreciate this rare gem of an independent film! Paul Davids and the entire cast and crew is to be congratulated. This is what independent film is really about. Put Before We Say Goodbye on your must see list. It has been held over again and again at my local theater

Great!!

[padillal · 10/10 · 3 June 2011]

Super and incredibly Hispanic!! For sure a best bet to see. Will make you cry, laugh, get mad and be happy. Hits all the right buttons and is remarkably funny and totally real. This movie is a true portrayal of modern day Hispanic families across the globe. The actors were perfect fits for their roles. It is amazing to see how honest and straight to the facts this movie is carried out. The plot is amazing the sites were incredible to see in this movie. It shows realistically what a family of any culture deals with each day of their lives. It is not just hispanic but can be applied to every culture. There were no hidden or secret agendas, it was all spelled out, like it or not, and that's what makes this a for real movie. It reminds us that miracles truly do happen, maybe not the way we like or pray for, but none the less they do occur. This movies helps us to look in all the right places for these miracles of our daily life. Very inspirational and very moving.

Four generations of an Hispanic family in Albuquerque contend with the dynamics and stresses of modern living.

[argos-13 · 10/10 · 28 June 2010]

Paul Davids the director and Patricia Crespin, who co-wrote the film script and who wrote the stage play "We Are Hispanic-American Women...OK?"on which the movie is based, have done a first-rate job in bringing to the screen a very accurate and unvarnished portrayal of Hispanic life in Albuquerque. It was very satisfying to see a professionally made movie in which the situations and the characters were completely real, dealing with the day-to-day struggles of life. The actors fit their parts perfectly, and were not glamorized in any way. The pain and the pride which the characters felt was crystal clear and undeniable. This is the kind of movie that brings real insight into a culture, and leaves the viewer with the kind of understanding that can create bridges between people. Although I am not Hispanic, I grew up in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and I know the Hispanic culture as well as anyone who is not born into it. This movie hits the bull's-eye in showing us what that culture is.

With quirky and fun characters... this film is one powerful and moving portrait of a mother's unconditional love.

[trishshort · 9/10 · 17 June 2011]

Heartfelt, sad, and sometimes hilariously over the top, "Before We Say Goodbye" is the story of one mother's dogged faith in the midst of mostly agnostic, atheistic family members who do not share her beliefs. For me, the matriarch, Ramona Garcia was the heart and soul of this film, she steals the show with a poignant and unforgettable portrayal. She is the rock, the believer in miracles, the anchor that holds her family together. Surrounded by colorful characters who are sometimes tepid, cynical or downright mocking of her faith, she loves them with her entire being. Ramona's juxtaposition to Our Lady of Guadalupe (who for Catholics is the ultimate picture of a mother's unconditional love) is central to this story and the fuel that drives this movie forward. Do not expect a religious film though, it does not sugar-coat. "Before We Say Goodbye" delves into both the reverent and irreverent, the inspiring and the beautiful within the day-to-day life of a Hispanic family who are not all on the same page. Tremendously moving musical score and soundtrack, especially loved the title track and Psalm 23. Congratulations to Director, Paul Davids, for an engaging film that explores the powerful dynamics of love and conflict found within faith and family relationships.

A Cultural Jewel

[info-766-328380 · 10/10 · 7 June 2011]

I found "Before We Say Goodbye" to be both lighthearted and heartwarming, with a universal message of family love which transcends cultural boundaries. Director Paul Davids brings out the best in his actors, who reveal themselves as members of a four-generation Hispanic family with many layers. Ramona's devout faith is an inspiration to all who question the possibility of miracles, and prevails despite the problems presented by a cantankerous and crusty grandmother, four children, and the poignant but humorous dysfunction of her family. The film is enhanced by the emotive music of Rebekah Del Rio, along with scenery which captures the heart of Hispanic culture.

Authentic Modern Hispanic Drama

[lenkast-76-469490 · 9/10 · 4 August 2011]

Paul Davids has put together a very authentic portrayal of the dilemma of the modern Hispanic family in America. The old values are crumbling, and even a mother's strength and determination cannot prevent the disintegration as the family patriarch slips slowly away. It is really the story of every minority in America as their families become absorbed into our culture. Hoping that perhaps a miracle can save the situation, the mother appeals to the Virgin of Guadaloupe. But the process is relentless. The younger generations are anxious to leave the old ways behind, and even commit the ultimate insult to their ancestors. They prefer Taco Bell to authentic, home-made Mexican cuisine. Congratulations to Paul Davids for a great contribution to American film.

A Powerful Representation of Latino Culture

[jesse-jason-cruz · 10/10 · 21 June 2011]

What was really special about this movie was its ability to capture so many realities about the Latino culture. Some are more obvious than others, but it was small details that makes this movie an authentically powerful representation.

As a first generation Mexican-American college student I could really appreciate the family dynamics portrayed in "Before We Say Goodbye". It can be very difficult for an academic growing up in a devout catholic household and this film captures that struggle well.

These days I would never pass up a home cooked Mexican meal, especially for Taco Bell! However, I can empathize with the rebellious teenager character who is influenced by a consumer society and consequently becomes complacent with the traditional lifestyle.

Perhaps the most powerful portrayals is Ramona, the epitomical Latina mother. Juanita Sena-Shannon's performance is in itself worth the viewing. Especially if you are a Latino son! You'll see what I mean after you watch it.

I had great experience watching this film. I would definitely recommend it to a friend. Happy viewings!

The family patriarch is moving on, and the family hangs on...

[DeborahPainter855 · 10/10 · 9 April 2012]

With "Before We Say Goodbye", Paul Davids has created a work that will only grow in popularity as the years pass. An Albuquerque, New Mexico father, Carlos, is dying, and his wife, who rarely travels, makes a special pilgrimage with the help of her sister to see the Virgin of Guadaloupe cloak at a special church in Mexico City. Here she will pray that her husband might not die. She does not know how she will keep going if he dies.

This film feels real throughout and the characterizations of the family members are memorable. The cinematography is excellent and you feel that you are right there with the family.

A Film that Embraces One's Heart and Spirituality

[robertegbyauthor · 10/10 · 8 August 2013]

I have an aversion to kitchen sink melodramas and while I hesitated before viewing this film, I was overjoyed and elated to discover that movie people can actually produce a film about day-to-day real-life situations and keep the viewer totally absorbed. "Before We Say Goodbye" is the story of an Hispanic-American family living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's the story of Ramona and Carlos Garcia, the parents of four grown up children and grand-children who each are suffering through their own individual problems. The contrasts are vivid from the crusty tequila-swigging great-grandma to the rebellious teen who prefers Taco Bell delicacies to the food created in a Mexican Restaurant owned and operated by her hard working, almost bankrupt parents. The film is a tapestry of four generations each with distinct and deteriorating situations. Sitting in a hospital bed for the entire movie, Carlos played admirably by F.X. Gurrola-Gar, manages to mentor his family members with wisdom and right living. His adoring wife Ramona, played by Juanita Senna-Shannon, unable to believe Carlos is dying, struggles to keep the family together culturally and spiritually. Desperately seeking a miracle for Carlos, she goes to the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City and there in a memorable performance is seen crawling on her knees displaying heart-rending faith. A fabulous cast and powerful performances by Gurrola-Gar and Senna-Shannon. Directed by Paul Davids who was also co-writer with Patricia Crespin, this is a movie that deeply embraces one's heart and spirituality. I just didn't want to see the closing credits come up. It's one of those movies.

'BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE', triumphs on many levels!

[drjjlerma · 8/10 · 8 April 2012]

'BEFORE WE SAY GOODBYE', triumphs on many levels, especially in delivering a message all cultures and their families can relate to, specifically through the Matriarch who lovingly teaches the need for faith, forgiveness and unconditional love in order to champion the virtues of belief in God and the family unit.

Overall,the director captures the essence of one Hispanic family, their matriarch and their navigation of daily life struggles, successes through a genuine and heartfelt belief in the Divine miracle.

There is no question that not only the Latin community will find the movie "hits close to home', but all families that have relied on a core family member, like a matriarch or even patriarch, to help resolve and place into perspective the scope of each family members problems and the use of family support and prayer to overcome those seemingly daunting adversities.

The message is truly powerful!

Before We Say Goodbye

[johncringo · 8/10 · 9 June 2011]

A Heartfelt movie. Paul Davids (Director) pulls the emotional strings of the heart with this inspirational film. A work of art showing the true values of family and life in the Hispanic culture. Few movies take you into the lives of Hispanics like this one does. A very enjoyable film to watch. The character development was well thought out and applied in this film. Some of the characters were well portrayed in the film while a couple lacked development. Story line was easy to follow but wasn't predictable, a few twists kept it enjoyable to watch. The scenery and locations of the film were a nice change from mainstream Hollywood -- it gave the film that sense of realism that is lacking in so many big budget films. Shots in the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico were spectacular.