"Babel"

“Babel”
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael Garcia Bernal, Rinko Kikuchi, Koji Yajusho
4 stars out of 4



2006 has been met with a great wave of welcomes from a trio of talented Mexican directors, all three of there have films have swept nationwide critics emotionally, as the 3 films rank in top 10 lists of 2006 on most people’s mind.

One of those films is “Babel”, which is a multi-cultural examination of 4 different stories in 4 different countries; all bind together from one sole event. Directed with precise detail, and on an epic global scale, “Babel” has a lot to say about itself, but more importantly, about the world. Many people have called it another “Crash”, it’s not only a different film then “Crash”, but it is harder to examine, and harder to watch. I say harder to watch only because of the pain, and the difficult situations that the characters go through in the film. “Babel” tells of 4 stories, one involving Pitt’s character Richard, and his wife Susan on vacation in Morocco. They are struggling to communicate much these days, as they both mourn the loss of a child. When on a tour bus, Blanchett is struck by a bullet that hits her in the neck; Richard stops the bus and immediately is asking where medical attention can be arranged for her wound. They find a small village, and in that village is where there part of the story is told.

The bullet came from 2 children playing the hills, while they were supposed to be shooting jackals that attacked there sheep. The boys are young and aren’t sure what the consequences will bring. The gun was sold to there father, who is unknowing that his kids have shot an American tourist. Immediately it’s thought of as a terrorist attack by the tourists, and the U.S. embassy, who Richard reaches during the movie.

Next we have Richards kids at home in San Diego, where they are watched over by Amelia, there longtime Mexican nanny. Amelia has plans to get to Mexico for one day to be present at her son’s wedding. Not only can she look for a sitter for the kids, but her alcoholic nephew is going to drive her and the kids into Mexico for this event. The nephew played well by Gael Garcia Bernal.

Then in my opinion the most effective storyline, which some critics felt should have been left out of the story. In Japan we have a deaf mute teenager dealing with her mother’s death, her father has neglected her. She is at the age of sexual tension among her peers and friends. The girl named Chieko, played exquisitely by the young actress Rinko Kikuchi, wants badly to experience sex, and maybe gain someone who cares for her in that process. She presents herself sexually to any guy around her, but they turn her away because she is deaf-mute, or because she presents herself in desperate, inappropriate ways. This storyline was shot the best, a lot of colors, and music.

I do not want to give to much away about the storylines, only to say that the Japan segment obviously does connect with the other 3, but it plays itself out with Chieko so much, that we feel like were watching a different film when her story is on screen. This isn’t true, if you watch closely, you can obviously feel and pick up on her story playing into a larger global scale problem, which if course does tie in with the other 3 segments.

In this film, what can do wrong, usually will go wrong. Some critics say the film is simply not plausible, I tend to disagree, unlike “Crash”, there are less coincidences and characters to make this that kind of film. Although there are 4 stories they are weaved together brilliantly, to make all seem real. If you are familiar with the director of “Babel”, that man being Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, then you know his films aren’t upbeat and full of hope. His films tell of pain, loss, internal suffering and struggle. I have heard of some people saying this film says that America, or people in general aren’t good people. Not true, Gonzalez is simply telling a story in which several people are involved, but they never are on the screen together. The film is endlessly brilliant, dense, and telling of what the world has become. Communication sometimes is less important to people, which causes struggler and confrontation. That is one of the film’s central themes, along with many other ones.

I have only seen the movie once, but I cannot wait to purchase it, or maybe see it again if it’s re-released just before Oscar time. I know few people who would appreciate the film, simply because it’s in 6 different languages, shot in exotic and foreign locations, and that turns the average movie fan off.

“Babel” certainly isn’t for all, and that’s alright, it’s extremely hard to watch, because of the struggling and isolation of the characters, we sometimes don’t agree with there choices, but we feel there pain when they’re expectations aren’t meant. Gonzalez’ films always deal with themes, weather love, loss, and tragedy, whatever it may be. “Babel” mainly deals with the relationships between parents and there children, the way we look to shield, and protect them. The film is always brilliant, and always asking to listen.