Bella
Bella (2007)
Starring: Eduardo Verįstegui, Tammy Blanchard, Manny Perez, Angelica Aragon, Ali Landry
Director: Alejandro Monteverde
Bella took the Toronto Festival's People's Choice Award, a distinction which has put it in the company of films such as American Beauty, Life Is Beautiful and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Inspired by a true story, this feature debut shows how one day in New York alters the lives of two people forever.
The movie follows José (Eduardo Verįstegui), a handsome soccer star who is on his way to sign a multi-million dollar contract when a series of events unfold that bring his career to an abrupt end. Having retreated from the world, the once-famous athlete now works as a cook at his brother Manny's Mexican restaurant in Manhattan. A beautiful waitress, Nina, (Tammy Blanchard): The Good Shepherd), struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down...until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, transforming an ordinary day into an unforgettable one. José recognises something in Nina, and reaches out to her. The pair fall into an easy confidentiality.
On a whim they go to the beach near José's parent's house in the suburbs. Surrounded by the colour and comfort of José's tight-knit family, Nina is keenly aware of the intimacy, support and peace that is missing from her own life, and she makes a decision that is key to the enigmatic José's redemption. In the course of this single day, he not only confronts his own haunting past but shows her how the healing power of love can help her embrace the future.
Powerful, passionate and always unpredictable, Bella reminds us of the surprises that await us in each new day and that sometimes it takes no more than a moment to transform our lives forever. Bella is a heart-warming story about friendship, family and our capacity for love in the face of the unexpected.
Format: DVD
Region: 4
Rating PG
Running time: 91 minutes
Language: English/Spanish
Extras:
- Eduardo's story
- Making Of Bella
- Alejandro Monteverde's Interview
- Eduardo Verįstegui Interview
- Ali Landry's Interview
Winner: Toronto Film Festival 2006 & People's Choice Award
"Powerful and moving...a true inpiration." CNN
"Warm, funny and sweet." ROGER EBERT, ROGEREBERT.COM
"A sweet life-affirming picture." LOS ANGELES TIMES
