Bella (2006)

I cannot speak highly enough of Bella. Bella is why we watch movies. Bella is why we award Oscars. Don't miss this one, you'll regret it. It has elements of Angel Eyes, Maria Full of Grace, and Tortilla Soup and is the polar opposite of Citizen Ruth. The story is tightly wound and develops organically so you don't know what is going to happen next, esp. while Nina (Tammy Blanchard) is visiting the family home of Jose (Eduardo Verástegui). These two actors are amazing together, and the rest of Jose's family is impeccable too; I couldn't take my eyes off their faces lest I miss a single nuance of their expressions. This is an emotionally gripping movie (if you care about such things at all) and a very authentic, human, interpersonal movie. It's about a relationship into which Jose realizes he must invest himself, from the moment he learns one thing -- and we get to see the petals of his story slowly unfold. What a beautiful flower he has nurtured in the end. 5 stars.