Babel

Alejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu is one of the most interesting directors working today. He employs a gritty, realistic approach to his films, usually with the use of hand-held cameras, so that nothing ever feels staged and the actors never look as though they’re “acting.” Both of his previous films—Amores Perros and 21 Grams, also penned by Babel screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga—followed multiple storylines and were told in a non-linear fashion. Babel is no different, but it is perhaps the most audience accessible film Iñárritu has made to date. Unlike 21 Grams—which was confusing enough to require a second viewing—Babel tells a fairly straightforward story and it does so on a global canvas. The action begins in Morocco when two local boys come into possession of a rifle. They’re supposed to be guarding their goats, but inevitably pick out various spots in the vicinity for target practice. An American couple (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett) traveling on a tour bus begin the worst day of their lives when the wife is accidentally struck by one of the stray bullets. Meanwhile, two children in San Diego are left in the charge of their Mexican housekeeper (Adriana Barraza) who takes them with her across the border so that she can keep an eye on them while attending her son’s wedding. And in Japan, a hearing impaired girl (Rinko Kikuchi) tries to cope with the recent loss of her mother, while also confronting her own social awkwardness. Needless to say, all of these stories eventually come together in glorious Iñárritu fashion, and they deliver a much-needed message about how a few simple misinterpretations can have catastrophic results. Acting-wise, the film is flawless. Pitt gives one of his best performances in years and Barraza deserves an Oscar nomination. So far, Iñárritu has yet to disappoint.

Directed by Alejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu.
Written by Guillermo Arriaga.
Starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael Garcia Bernal, Adriana Barraza, Rinko Kikuchi, Kôji Yakusho, Clifton Collins, Jr. and Michael Pena.

Rated R for violence, some graphic nudity, sexual content, language and some drug use. 142 min.

**** so says The Fish