Film Title: Bella
Studio: Metanoia Films
Director: Alejandro Gomez Monteverde
Principal Actors: Eduardo Verástegui, Tammy Blanchard, Manny Perez, Ali Landty, Angélica Aragón, Jaime Tirelli, Ramon Rodriguez
Runtime: 91 min
Rating: G
DVD Release Date: May 6, 2008  

4 Stars

Reviewed By: Elena Yelizarov (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada) 

"Bella" is an appropriate title for a movie that so beautifully tells the story of two friends who help each other make some life-changing choices.  Set against the backdrop of New York city, this film tells the story of a former soccer star, Jose - played by Eduardo Verástegui, and a young waitress, Nina - played by Tammy Blanchard, whose lives unexpectedly become intertwined when Nina loses her job at the Mexican restaurant where Jose works as a chef.  Disturbed by the unfairness of his boss' actions, Jose quits the restaurant and offers to help Nina find a new job. When he learns that she is pregnant and planning an abortion, he decides to dissuade her from the choice he believes she will come to regret. 

At first, Nina is highly suspicious of Jose's intentions. However his uncommon compassion for his fellow human beings becomes understandable when we learn of the deep emotional scars that his heart bears from the disappointment of losing his career as a soccer player and being involved in an accident that kills a little girl. The hardships that he had endured make him aware of just how precious human life is and it is this lesson that he hopes to teach Nina, as he helps her struggle with her decision on whether to have an abortion or give her child up for adoption.  

The movie very delicately deals with the matter of religious beliefs. Clearly, the topic of abortion is highly controversial in today's society, yet the pro-life choice is never forced on Nina. Rather, her decision comes as the result of her own spiritual struggle with abortion. In the end, both she and Jose get a new chance at life, for Nina makes a choice that she can live with and Jose atones for his inadvertent killing of a little child. In the end, it is a film that reminds of the sanctity of human life and the value of friendship. Among Hollywood blockbusters, this film clearly stands out as a more humane story that reminds us of our responsibilities as human beings to love and care for one another.