21 Grams (2003)

another powerful film by Iñárritu

Director: Alejandro Iñárritu

 

Once again, the brilliant Mexican director stuns us with interlocking plots. Like Amores perros which is discussed on another discussion, the centerpiece is a tragic automobile accident. Jack (Benicio del Toro) is an ex-con, married with children who has used Jesus to put his life back together. He is now sober, and even counsels young men before their lives spin out of control. He even has a job at a golf course, but he is fired because of his visible tattoos. His former boss tries to console him and he is driving home when he commits a hit and run accident, killing a father, Michael, and two daughters in the street.

 

Paul (Sean Penn) has a heart condition caused in part by excessive smoking. His wife Mary (Charlotte Gainsbourg) is becoming disenchanted with the marriage, but she is given hope when Paul is able to get a life-saving heart transplant.

 

Cristina (Naomi Watts) is a woman who is getting her life back together. Her husband is Michael, who is killed along with his daughters in the car accident caused by Jack. She is approached by a hospital counselor after the accident to find out if Cristina is willing to allow her late husband to be an organ donor. She agrees.

 

Paul receives Michael’s heart, and he hires a private detective to find out who the donor was. He is successful and gradually begins a relationship with Cristina. However, he wants to avenge the death of Michael. This is a very powerful film, and an unforgettable masterpiece

 

Music is by Gustavo Santaolalla.