8mm
Posted on 10/28/2007 12:50:13 PM PDT by wagglebee
Bella, an independent film staring Mexican superstar Eduardo Verástegui, is scheduled for limited release in theatres on October 26. The movie, an inspirational drama set in modern-day New York, has what America's been asking for but what Hollywood refuses to give.
Having won the People's Choice Award at last year's Toronto Film Festival, you'd think major Hollywood distribution companies would be crawling over one another for a crack at the film. But such is not the case. Bella's central theme puts a premium on the value of human life - including life in the womb - and that is a value Hollywood just won't tolerate.
Just as the Hollywood left scoffed at The Passion of the Christ, it has largely ignored the award winning Bella. The movie's life-affirming message just doesn't comport with Tinseltown's narrow leftist agenda.
But the folks at Roadside Attractions, a division of Lionsgate Entertainment, knew a good thing when they saw it and scooped up this moral masterpiece. Bella's creators are hoping to reach as many people as possible with the film's principal message: "True love goes beyond romance."
In Bella, Eduardo Verástegui stars as José, a once-famous professional soccer player who finds himself working as a cook in his brother's New York City restaurant following a tragic, career-ending accident that leaves him broke, haunted and utterly discontent.
But José soon learns that God can turn all things for good. Nina, a single waitress played by Tammy Blanchard is also down on her luck. She confides in José that she's discovered she's pregnant. As she is confronted with the choice between life and death for her little one, José is able to tap his own turbulent life experiences to offer Nina the wise counsel she so desperately needs.
Concerned Women for America (CWA) President Wendy Wright attended an advanced screening of the film. "Most movies follow a predictable story line," said Wright. "Bella, like real life, surprises you with a subtle yet profound story of exceptional grace."
And exceptional grace has also been one of the film's many positive byproducts. Although the movie has yet to be released, it's already moving hearts, changing minds and even saving lives. Co-writer and co-producer Leo Severino shared with CWA that he's aware of at least two instances where babies are alive today because of Bella's message of truth and love. In fact, by God's grace, the world has now been blessed with a real life Bella - a little girl named for the film - whose life was spared only hours before she was scheduled to die at the hands of an abortionist.
Yes, it's no wonder the Hollywood left wouldn't give Bella the time of day. The movie's timeless message is one they urgently wish to chill. It's a message not altogether unlike The Passion of the Christ, a message which reminds us all that the selfless sacrifice of one can mean the precious gift of life for another.
>(Careful, your prejudice is showing.)
Call me a racist, I don’t care. It doesn’t mean anything anymore.
>But seriously, hmmm - “Bella” is a “Spanish” title?
>Italian: beautiful - BELLA
>Spanish: “ - Bello
Spanish to English:
http://world.altavista.com/
The star isn’t an American.
We saw it yesterday. It is a beautiful movie — the message is subtle but powerful, you are not hammer-knocked between the eyes. The dilema is very real, the solution quite thoughtful. In between it is just lovely. Well-made, beautifully filmed, good writing. See it several times. Take the teens. There are not even any bedroom scenes — how refreshing.
They're asking if Bella will be as big a surprise as The Passion. In other words, a small, unheard of movie maker (tho, Mel Gibson isn't unheard of, but he did it on his own) making it on his own with NO hollywood help. That's where the comparison lies.
Donna - it's PRO-LIFE!!! You will love this movie - and there is NO sex! Nada! None! Also, no soccer. They only mention it. You will be surprised - the family scene is so lovely and loving - go see it.
Heck of a good movie, though. Heck of a good crew that made it, too. No need to take a swat at them because of their nationality. Really.
Thanks for the link for the trailer, and he sure is good looking.
Yes he is definitely one of God’s handiworks. ;)
Wonderful...Just returned from seeing this simply beautiful movie as I wanted to hopefully help it get to more theaters sending the good message. I was in a small theater and full so that’s good. I highly recommend everyone see this precious movie full of emotion and laughter as well. Be sure to take some kleenex. It was a true test to the new plugs in my tear ducts and boy were they working...couldn’t stop the tears! Very moving ending.
I live in a college town and will be very surprised if it shows here. But, if it does, I’ll try and go see it.
Oh, myyyyyy.
Hmmm, no bias here.
We drove 240 mile round trip on Saturday. Our soon to be 18 yr old son admitted he teared up a little. That is a powerful movie.
Here’s hoping that it does well enough to open up in more theaters. I would like to see it again closer to home.
Thank. I saw him in Soñadoras in 1999 and Chasing Papi a couple of years ago. He was interviewed on Don Francisco Presents last week and what he had to say was very moving. Guy is very good looking.
Bella may have only got a 38% from the liberal critics at Rotten Tomatoe. But it got a 96% from the 63 member reviewers (SO FAR). Meanwhile the Jimmy Carter “Man from Plains” had exactly one person that cared enough to review it after seeing it.
It’s not so much that the left hates the unborn - it’s that they value the ability to remove the consequences for their behavior above everything else in this world.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.