21 Grams (2003) Movie Information:

21 Grams (2003) Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu 21 Grams (2003) Written by: Guillermo Arriaga 21 Grams (2003) Cast: Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Naomi Watts, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Clea DuVall, Danny Huston, Eddie Marsan, Catherine Dent, Jerry Chipman, Denis O'Hare

21 Grams (2003) U.S. Distributor: Focus Features 21 Grams (2003) U.K. Distributor: Not available at this time

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21 Grams (2003) Synopsis:

21 Grams explores the emotionally and physically charged existences of three characters: Christina (Watts), Paul (Penn), and Jack (Del Toro). Initially not even acquainted, the trio and their destinies become irrevocably intertwined in a fusion of love, redemption, and obsession.

21 Grams (2003) Movie Review:

“21 Grams” is a flinching tale of life, death, tragedy, morals, love, and redemption. “They say 21 grams is the weight we lose when we die,” states one of the film's characters, which the title of the film refers to the weight passed on to loved one's upon death as well as the weight of one's soul.

The film intertwines three different beings that would have not be acquainted otherwise than by a devastating accident. Paul Rivers (Sean Penn) is a renowned mathematician that is dying of heart failure and is unpatiently waiting on the donor's list for a new heart. Paul's wife, Mary (Charlotte Gainsbourg) wants to have a child with or without Paul, and consoles with her husband about artificial insemination. Cristina Peck (Naomi Watts) is a happily married woman and mother of two beautiful children, that still attends meetings for her past substance abuse problems. Jack Jordan (Benicio Del Toro) is an ex-con that has now surrounds his life around Christianity and faith, as well as trying to maintain balance with his wife Marianne (Melissa Leo) and his two children.

An unintended accident brings these three characters together as this film unfolds in dark manner that is bold and compelling.

“21 Grams” is directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who previously directed the Oscar nominated foreign language film from Mexico “Amores Perros.” Inarritu is a in-your face director that shoots his films along with cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto in a grainy look with many handheld choices. Though the hand-held moments become old quickly in “21 Grams,” Inarritu still proves that he is a terrific filmmaker. More than “Amores Perros,” this film's structure is scattered all over the place. Inarritu presents all of his scenes out of order to tell his narrative, with some of the ending being seen before the plot points, and even the beginning of the film. At first the structure sort of leaves you wondering what is going on, however, about one-third through the film, the structure becomes accepted, and Inarritu's style of storytelling is effectively told. Inarritu's captures some very powerful visuals and scenes in this film, especially the emotion filled moments of heartache and confusion. As a director, he uses many different tricks, such as uses of mirrors for reflections and point of view shots.

The screenplay by Guillermo Arriaga is Inarritu's outline and he just fills in the openings. The characters are well rounded, flawed beings, but more than anything they are identifiable. The dialogue is crisp, and there are many themes to the film including morbidity, mortality, redemption, and love. Once again, the structure of the story is what is most noticeably untraditional, but still works very well.

The three central performances in this film by Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Naomi Watts are all award worthy. Penn, who will probably also receive awards for his work in “Mystic River” this year, plays a character unlike any he has ever inhabited, a mild man who is counting his days due to heart failure. Penn's precision, balance, and presence are striking. Benicio Del Toro will make you forget about “The Hunted” as he delivers a stunning portrayal of a very complex man who is struggling with his faith. Naomi Watts serves up her best performance to date as the emotional ignition of this film, who falls back into her past after tragedy bewilders her life. The supporting cast for the film is also strong, including a genuine performance from Melissa Leo as Del Toro's angered, but supportive wife.

When reviewing a film like “21 Grams,” there is not much that one wants to tell or divulge about it. Audiences will realize things that are going on early, due to the structure, but this film is still something that people need to see for themselves. This is not a happy film at all; it is pretty heartbreaking, but also very absorbing. “21 Grams” is a film that will be talked about during the upcoming award season.

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21 Grams (2003) review written by: Bailey Henderson