Biutiful [Blu-ray]

The setting for this monumental film is modern-day Barcelona. This is a city that hums both industrially and socially, some of which involves the shoddy construction of buildings using slave labour from China. Javier Bardem plays the role of a gangster (Uxbal) in one of the city's many crime organizations. While his survival skills are good at staying alive in a very vicious world of thuggery, exploitation and murder, he yearns for a better life for himself and his children. The film does a very competent job in showing how these two tensions work in Uxbal's fitful existence as he meets with his many contacts on the street, tries to keep his family together through growing hardships, and intercedes on behalf of the truly unfortunate in society. In short, Uxbal is a criminal with a conscience who wants to put things right because he has inoperable cancer. That is why we see him make incredible efforts to keep these two sides of his life - his inner and outer selves - intact while he tries to redirect it. There are many conflicting moments in this film which only an accomplished actor like Bardem can pull off. The whole range of human emotions are available here. While the audience is definitely on side with Uxbal's heroic efforts, there is that sinking feeling that this story will not end well even with all Uxbal's good intentions. In the end, Uxbal's undying love for his children remains the only tangible legacy left. Everything else has been destroyed in a world where the love of money and selfishness has won out.

This is a very good movie, and the performance of Javier Bardem it is amazing. The issues facing in this film, are raw and real. Very emotional.

Iñárritu continues his series on death with this stunning movie. Javier Bardem gives an impeccable performance. This movie, like 21 Grams and Babel, this film will make you reconsider many aspects of your life and your views on the world.