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Exploring hot topics like terrorism, immigration and firearms Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's Babel is sure to strike a chord with almost everyone. Like his previous film 21 Grams, Inarritu examines the intersecting lives of people around the world, each affected by the same gunshot.
When two young boys in Morocco mistakenly shoot an American tourist while playing around with their father's rifle, it's truly the shot heard round the world, complicating the lives of seemingly unconnected people from diverse backgrounds. Though we may not think we would relate to these characters that on the surface are "so unlike us," Babel reminds us that humanity is universal. The characters are deep and well written and while they represent their different lives, they face emotions shared by all of us.
The directing is top notch. Inarritu brings realism to every frame and culture, contrasting the different settings with different styles of directing and weaving the scenes together in a sort of patchwork quilt. He allows the viewer to have a taste of what life would be like were they born in a different country while still making them feel like they're in familiar territory. He is not afraid to venture towards true edge, showing scenes that are hardly Hollywood glamour. Inarritu pushes the boundaries of the audience with many moments of the film, making them truly uncomfortable. Though there is a decent amount of sexual content in the film, not one moment of it is erotic and much of it is simply an outward display of emotional pain.
Another thing that makes this film exceptional is the wonderful acting. Familiar faces such as Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett light up the screen along with lesser-known actors like Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi. All of who give excellent, heart wrenching performances. This is one of the most honest acting jobs Pitt has ever done. Every actor is stripped down to their core, giving themselves completely to their roles without the slightest hint of self-consciousness or vanity. Kikuchi especially does an outstanding job as the deaf Japanese girl Chieko. You grow attached to each of these characters and begin to see yourself in each of their struggles. You see past their different nationalities and lifestyles to the core of their humanity. Each of these characters goes through their own trials and tribulations. Some of them face their demons and move past their traumatizing experiences while others become completely consumed by them and their lives are ruined forever. Though these people are very human and have a lot of flaws they are all genuinely good people trying to do the best with what life has given them. They all do make mistakes but are all essentially victims of circumstance.
This is not a movie everyone will "get" and when I saw it in theaters there were a lot of walkouts. For some it's dark themes hit too close and others were simply bored by its slow moving pace and "lack of action". If you are someone who truly enjoys thoughtful, complex films then I urge you to see Babel. There is no way this film will not move you or make you re-think stereotypical views of people. It is not an uplifting movie to say the least but it will leave its mark on you for a very long time.
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