21 Grams (2003)

Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Starring: Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Naomi Watts

A freak accident brings together a critically ill mathematician, a grieving mother, and a born-again ex-con.

Going into this movie, you have to understand the unique narration. The non-linear storytelling might be confusing to some viewers. You have to pay close attention to understand where the scenes fit in, which are present and which are past. But it’s also not quite that simple. Even the scenes from the past backtracks. The narration is in the vein of ‘Memento’. If you saw that film, you’ll have no trouble following the events.

The film introduces us to a whole bunch of seemingly unconnected characters within the first few minutes. In time, it becomes clear the characters are all connected through fate. The main characters keeping all the pieces together, are Paul Rivers (Sean Penn) and Naomi Watts (Cristina Peck).

Paul has just had a heart transplant. Although the operation went well, his body is now rejecting the new heart and he doesn’t have long to live. His wife Mary wants to have his baby, but she needs surgery before she can get pregnant. This will take about three to four months, while Paul roughly only has about a month to live.

Cristina is a happily married woman with two beautiful daughters. In the blink of an eye, her life is torn apart and she has to deal with a family tragedy. And then there’s Jack Jordan (Benicio Del Toro), a born again man with a bad criminal record. Tragedy strikes one night when he is on his way to a party. Meantime Paul is trying to find out who’s heart he received.

’21 Grams’ is a shockingly realistic and deeply emotional film. We never know what fate has in store for us, and who might play a crucial part in our lives. The script is excellent and the performances superb. This is a film you’re going to WANT to see again to piece together what you might have missed from the beginning. The film will also be much easier to follow with a repeat viewing.

Keep in mind, this film can be quite depressing, but it is nevertheless a must-see film! Just like ‘Memento’ and the more recent ‘Backtrack’, ’21 Grams’ was a fantastic watch.

At the box office, ’21 Grams’ earned $60.4 million on a $20 million budget. It received 109 award nominations, winning 30.

Would I watch it again? Yes, I believe I would.