A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

There wasn't much character development. The leads didn't really have much interesting going on at all. The plot was pedestrian. There was no chemistry among anyone. I suppose the male and female leads were attractive, but that isn't enough to carry a movie. Manny and the father were more interesting than anyone else. It won awards? I don't get it.

(Flash Review)There is more sap in this movie than Maple Trees in the Fall. The blurb teaser was more interesting than this whole movie, which was about two people whose lives become inexplicably connected. Usually, that's an intriguing premise. Not here where a head chef working for his brother's restaurant decides to get involved with a server who got fired for being late too many times. An employee for four years, once she is fired he suddenly decides to fall for her. Give me a break! And later learns she was having morning sickness and that was her reason for being late. Then the sap starts to flow. Dialog that is all Hallmark Card stale is delivered by two actors who never emotionally connect on screen. Ubiquitous sappy scene after sappy scene with music that tells you how you should feel and with an ending that is so poorly written that is makes ZERO sense. The Village Voice reviewer said it perfectly "Manages to be utterly predictable without making any sense at all." Avoid at ALL COSTS!!

We often hear the notions that there is hardly anything like 'message' of a motion picture nowadays. Many modern films barely carry the role to uplift, to educate the viewers but they are rather meant to supply the viewers with sole entertainment. This minority of movies which aim at conveying some positive, universal messages to us seem to be neglected, ignored or labeled as 'kitschy.' Computerized effects, characters who seem to be deprived of basic humanity, robot-like creatures with no consideration of neither mind nor heart...too much of that! A question might arise: 'is anyone still capable of making a movie that speaks unto hearts?" If you consider such a question yourself, BELLA is truly a film from you.As a lovely contribution to the Latino art and culture, BELLA appears to be one of the most rewarding surprises for movie buffs. Alejandro Gomez Monteverde's directorial debut is a striking example of a new spirit on the screen - a refreshing, renewing spirit. But the film requires something more from you: to put aside all the expectations and stereotypes of what an interesting movie should be like. Just start to watch it with an open mind. That is what I have done recently. At first, I did not read anything about it and spontaneously wanted to enjoy one of those long winter evenings and soon realized that BELLA is a picture well worth viewing at multiple levels. The experience of mine is something I would like to share with you in this review. The creative collaboration between the Mexican born director Alejandro Monteverde and Patrick Million, Stephen Mc Eveety is noticeable throughout the film. This cinema revives its language to viewers and the script is highly worth attention. That is clearly one of the reasons why there are so many positive reactions of people who saw the film (many awards BELLA received include the Toronto International Film Festival - from "People Choice Award" - Heartland Film Festival, and the honor of the Mexican Embassy prove the undeniable need for, as many reviewers before me noted, some 'fresh air' on the screen. In what way is BELLA a refreshing production and an uplifting experience?BELLA is a seemingly simple story that becomes two-dimensional from the very beginning and beautiful details of character development lead us to the unforgettable climax; BELLA is a motivating and uplifting pro-life and pro-family tribute reaching its heights near the end when gifts are exchanged, the reconciliation is a reality and the smile at the door of future becomes symbolic; BELLA is a profound study of human life: human mistakes and justice, human fears and reliefs (the juxtaposition of the past and the present with the creative use of flashbacks makes certain aspects highlighted and, within the story, redeemed by the love of life); BELLA is generally a very optimistic movie where tears are always for some goodness, where tragedy and trauma can turn into bright future, where its beginning and its finale are truly thought provoking and unforgettable.BELLA can boast of some fabulous scenes and great reflective conclusions! The blind beggar and his conclusion about what it means to see...the seashell and the sound of waves...Nina and Jose's talk on the beach...Nina's visit to Jose's family... leave viewers stunned spiritually. One more thing to add in this context: BELLA opens with a wonderful narration and ends with a fabulous image that are linked together in a way --- that is another pearl of the screenplay.The performances are worth attention though there are no famous, top notch cast. Practically, there are three people who are at the center of attention: Tammy Blanchard as Nina, Eduardo Verástegui as Jose and Manny Perez as Manny. The interactions between them and the main ideas of the script are basically handled by the three and done so memorably. The less famous, the more convincing! This is one of such films where a famous face may disturb the basic experience because it is a story of simple people who live simple lives as we do. We empathize with them. No stars! No celebrities needed here! Among the young cast, I was stunned by Sophie Nyweide as the title character Bella. She appears in one scene...yet what a scene!The character development is nicely executed through a change of heart. There are, as a matter of fact, "two Joses" - one a light hearted young sportsman heading for individual success; the other an experienced man, an almost Christ-like figure whose eyes are filled with understanding love. The traumatic experience of Jose and his memories are cured by his acceptance of guilt and of helping others, loving others as a supreme cure. That appears to be the gist of the movie: no psychoanalytical treatment necessary but something at hand spiritually: this most pure, most genuine in human heart, human dreams: LOVE. Nina is a striking character who keeps this flame somewhere deep inside her, sometimes it is so unconscious in her decisions, sometimes so sympathetic. Women who are afraid to have babies should consider Nina's story. The actors make the finale so genuine and naturally tears are falling and there is something that truly uplifts you...Yes, BELLA is a must see for viewers of today's hard times where confusion seems to take over; BELLA is a beautiful childlike story that makes us hear the message whispered in the simplicity of a shell, that makes us see what others might find invisible; BELLA is one of these films that carry this unique power of art renewed and free of any Marxist ideology: the power to make you a better person, to make you appreciate the wonderfully unpredictable adventure that life is and remind new generations that the future of humanity lies within FAMILY that respects, awaits and welcomes life at its dawn.

This movie is amazing! One of my all time favourites! It is a truly heart- warming film with lovable characters that the audience can relate to. There are moments of humour and of sadness and the soundtrack supplements each scene perfectly. Nina, an unmarried waitress, finds out that she is pregnant and the father never enters into the picture (both literally and figuratively). She has no idea what to do with a baby and weighs her options. Jose, the chef at the restaurant, runs after her when she is fired and becomes her support system, her shoulder to cry on. Jose has his own secrets which he slowly reveals to Nina, and the audience, as the film progresses. It is a movie for any audience and one that I would recommend to anyone.