Gave it a D. An afwul movie. It drowned itself in its pretentious stories.

Can't remember the last time a BP nominee was THIS hated. Not even Crash achieved this status.

The more I think about this movie, the more I just wnt to puke.

The film actually had my attention until 2/3 way through. The Japan story is definitely the best as it is the most touching, intimate (no pun intended), and realistic one. I could easily understand the frustration and loneliness a girl with disability at puberty could feel, both mentally and physically.

The Mexico part, however, makes me angry. First, it took too long to get to the point of the story. The whole wedding scene could be shortened, as they put too much ink into showing how Mexico people, just like everyone else, also have a normal life. Then the whole runaway idea; so unrealistic. If it had just been about ethnic profiling, misunderstanding, and police not listening to their explanation, I'd accept and let it go, but trying to escape? Few normal person would do that, regardless how drunk he is. This completely contradicted the wedding setup, and as a result, I don't feel sympathetic to them.

The Morocco story also has the similar problem, although not as blatant. The story itself didn't mount to much, and in real life, the dramatic shootout is unlikely to occur as well. Shall I feel sympathetic to the boy? Maybe that's not the purpose because again, I don't.

All the big names (Pitt, Blanchett, Bernal) are wasted here, but rather it's the unfamiliar faces who shined.

Overall, unlike Crash, which I liked and could immediately see how academy could embrace it, this is nowhere near the quality or the emotional impact. The problem is the film seems to try to show the repercussion of miscommunication, but it also involves people who are supposedly misunderstood doing stupid things, and that really weakens the theme. The primary reason Japan story worked the best is it flows a lot more natural. One more thing, the score doesn't deserve a nomination, let alone a win. It's some singular notes except for the last 20 minutes, which is actually the worst as the helicopter scene didn't need such persistent background music. C-.

i hate myself

It's really interesting to notice how bashing this movie has become so hip. Their loss.

I might have liked it if the smugfest tone didn't conjure up images of wannabe student Communists sipping Coffee while all agreeing how intellectually superior they are......

Anyhoo this film made me want to puke and that was before it was Hip to puke randomly

This is an inspiring and a truthful movie. Astonishing.
I'm sorry for those who did not get this beautiful film.

A+
(Best of 2006)

There are many of us who got it, yet hated it.

Have you considered the possibility that you didn't get it, and that's why you loved it?



...or perhaps you're a grief junkie...

Indeed

You guys are brilliant. You really try to get me thinking that I didn't understand this movie and admit at the same time that you actually didn't by having this ridiculous debate in this thread.

Touché...

Indeed.

I finally got around to watching this. I quite enjoyed it. All the stories connected effectively enough, with the Japan story being the best, and is quite thrilling and emotional at times. Pitt and Kikuchi are great though I don't understand why Barraza was nominated as she was definitely one of the film's weaker links.