Babel

9

CateOOct 26, 2006

My vote of nine acknowledges that the film does have some flaws - but overall - what an experience - a beautiful film - great acting from all - powerful, very emotional A true must see

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9

MigueG.Jan 23, 2007

C'est la vie ... Brillant and realistic portrayal of some human misunderstandings and injustices. Is it Fate? And sad, it left me quite saddened.

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9

DanFeb 19, 2007

What a movie. Brilliant in every way. Complex and greatly crafted story, great acting all round, thought provoking and beutifully shot. give this one the Oscar

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9

BillyS.Nov 11, 2006

The world is a scary place. Terrorism, gun control, illegal immagration, poverty, suicide. They are all intricately woven together in four separate stories in this gripping international drama all connected by two children playing in the The world is a scary place. Terrorism, gun control, illegal immagration, poverty, suicide. They are all intricately woven together in four separate stories in this gripping international drama all connected by two children playing in the Moroccan desert with a high-powered rifle scaring off jackals. Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu has made a film that leaves you totally helpless, a witness to the simple breakdown of communicating on every level. The writing is excellent, though the connections between the stories is fairly obvious, it's still a tense, gripping journey to there revelations. The acting is superlative and though there is no real leads, look for atleast two supporting Oscar nominations for Brad Pitt and an amazing Adriana Barraza. Rodrigo Prieto's camera work is outstanding and Gustavo Santaolalla is becoming the Orson Welles of composers. Babel is, quite simply, one of the Best Films of the Year.… Expand

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9

FredG.Nov 11, 2006

This movie is excellent and most importantly, relevant. There are so few movies made today that challenge the audience to examine their own agendas, and this one succeeds in doing that. It succeeds in other ways also, by being engrossing and This movie is excellent and most importantly, relevant. There are so few movies made today that challenge the audience to examine their own agendas, and this one succeeds in doing that. It succeeds in other ways also, by being engrossing and at certain points thrilling. It is most comparable to the recent hit and award winning movie, Crash. Tolstoy believed that writers should write with the agenda of telling the reader how to live, how to behave. This movie doesn't instruct the viewer overtly, but motivates the viewer to do better, to make a positive difference.… Expand

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9

LarryS.Nov 26, 2006

Outstanding film in all respects. Not for your average North American viewer. If you appreciated 21 Grams go see this film. If you enjoy Adam Sandler movies stay away. A movie with a lot to say. Many outstanding acting performances. Outstanding film in all respects. Not for your average North American viewer. If you appreciated 21 Grams go see this film. If you enjoy Adam Sandler movies stay away. A movie with a lot to say. Many outstanding acting performances. Don't be mislead by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. They are there in supporting roles.… Expand

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9

SandyS.Dec 19, 2006

A great film; highly impactful with terrific performances by Pitt and the Japanese teenager. A very clever blending of disparate lives with a common thread that impacts all. Leaves one with a powerful after taste and tightening of the A great film; highly impactful with terrific performances by Pitt and the Japanese teenager. A very clever blending of disparate lives with a common thread that impacts all. Leaves one with a powerful after taste and tightening of the stomach - excellent.… Expand

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9

EnriqueDec 26, 2006

Not Inarritu's best, but still great cinema with an intriguing, thought provoking story line. Great acting by the whole cast.

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9

DanMan3395Jan 25, 2014

Interestingly, the reviews of this movie provide an amazing insight into how stupid the average Movie goer in the U.S. really is. Take a read of some of the negative reviews. Seriously its like monkey got on a computer somewhere and justInterestingly, the reviews of this movie provide an amazing insight into how stupid the average Movie goer in the U.S. really is. Take a read of some of the negative reviews. Seriously its like monkey got on a computer somewhere and just spewed inane garbage all over metacritic.

This is a very good film with a great deal of emotional and intellectual appeal. I think they represented the cultures and the dysfunction really well while keeping the movie interesting by bouncing the story around in 3 parts. Really good movie if you are not a chimp, highly recommended.

P.S. if you liked any of the transformer movies, this is not the film for you.… Expand

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9

MovieGuysMay 30, 2016

One of Inarritu's finest earlier works, Babel succeeds as a drama with a real human heart, and gets its message across easily. It requires patience to watch, but is a must-see for film buffs.

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9

alejandro970Feb 25, 2018

Shaterring "butterfly effect" drama. The analogy of a troubled world due the assorted languages works as well in the three stories tied by an absurd accident. Majestic job of Gustavo Santaolalla in the score.

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9

BulgarianCriticMay 31, 2020

I loved how everything was connected.They were some akward and unneeded parts but everything else was incredibly played. Heck I even felt bad for the Kid's in Morocco and I loved how everything was connected in different continents.Who wouldI loved how everything was connected.They were some akward and unneeded parts but everything else was incredibly played. Heck I even felt bad for the Kid's in Morocco and I loved how everything was connected in different continents.Who would have though that a gift can have such a huge impact on the lifes of so many. Loved the message of the movie and the acting was top notch.… Expand

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8

ElliotP.Feb 4, 2007

If you want to see Brad Pitt, go see another of his movies, because his role in this one, while excellently portrayed, is little more than a cameo appearance. The movie ending was an interesting segment, in a film of segments, but was If you want to see Brad Pitt, go see another of his movies, because his role in this one, while excellently portrayed, is little more than a cameo appearance. The movie ending was an interesting segment, in a film of segments, but was baffling, and less than satisfying. The acting in all parts was beautiful to watch; I am not sure the director really had a unifying vision. I suspect the name Babel is supposed to explain and excuse a lot of this disjointed and empty feelings away.… Expand

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8

CaroleD.Apr 26, 2007

Engaging, phenomenal acting and script writing. If I have to fault it, the story doesn't hang together as it might, and there are various political statements with no development, like the housekeeper's deportation back to MX.

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8

MartinS.Apr 8, 2007

I thought the movie was very effective in portraying American attitudes towards immigrants even when traveling abroad. Having traveled quite a bit in Africa, India and the Middle East I can vouch for the authenticity: People with barely a I thought the movie was very effective in portraying American attitudes towards immigrants even when traveling abroad. Having traveled quite a bit in Africa, India and the Middle East I can vouch for the authenticity: People with barely a pot to pee in extending hospitality rarely seen in this country.… Expand

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8

JohnF.Jul 6, 2007

Good story and pace with beleivable characters. I really enjoyed this movie.

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8

Chads.Aug 19, 2007

i enjoyed this movie. it isnt the best movie ever, but its unique, memorable, and an overall entertaining story. the plot unfortunately can be slow at times, but if you are interested in babel you should check it out.

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8

VicGDec 17, 2006

Breathtaking cinematography. Claustrophobic. Makes you want to scream 'just shut up and listen'.

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8

LouD.Oct 27, 2006

Challenging, slow to unfold, yet ultimately rewarding. Logistically, the film-making process had to be a nightmare, which makes the end result more astounding. The acting was terrific and fearless, especially Rinko Kikuchi, and the sound was Challenging, slow to unfold, yet ultimately rewarding. Logistically, the film-making process had to be a nightmare, which makes the end result more astounding. The acting was terrific and fearless, especially Rinko Kikuchi, and the sound was as much a charcter of the film as any of the credited cast.… Expand

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8

MartinZ.Feb 19, 2007

I went to see this with a slight sense of trepidation. I'd recentely seen '21 Grams' which seemed, at best, a kind of pretentious, well-filmed soap-opera. I've always been suspicious of these portmanteau plots that play I went to see this with a slight sense of trepidation. I'd recentely seen '21 Grams' which seemed, at best, a kind of pretentious, well-filmed soap-opera. I've always been suspicious of these portmanteau plots that play with time, if only because so many people think that if a movie confuses them, it must be good (oh, say... Pulp Fiction, for one...). However, my fears were quickly allayed. 'Babel' has little of '21 Grams' pretension or melodrama, showing convincing characters too wrapped up in their own problems to listen to each other. The plots link well and Inarritu avoids teasing his audience with obscure connections between them. The only thing which holds back a higher rating is that I have a sneaking suspicion that movies are supposed to be enjoyable, and while there was a certain pleasure to be derived from this, it's rather akin to the pleasure derived from punching a brick wall... repeatedly... for two and a half hours... A great film - one to see once, but not buy, and one that will actually make you glad to get back to the real, less painful, world.… Expand

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8

FrankO.Jan 7, 2007

Very well acted, story arc similar to last year's Crash; interweaving story lines involving three different cultures. Felt long but changing story locations made it move along.

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8

JanieC.Feb 11, 2007

I think this movie was so deep and made you really think about serious issues. I have read the idea of the movie's theme being one of cultural difference and/or family and I agree that is makes you think about such topics. I also I think this movie was so deep and made you really think about serious issues. I have read the idea of the movie's theme being one of cultural difference and/or family and I agree that is makes you think about such topics. I also thought the incident of guns and violence was huge in how it effects people in general. Especially, the idea that cultures and authorities seemed more interested in why and how the violence happened vs. the devistating impact it had on the lives of those involved. I was thinking if they were able to track a gun to Japan before helping a woman shot that is a sad reality. They also seemed more interested in arrested the Mexican immigrants, ignoring the welfare of the children and the emotions the nanny was showing for them. Also, the Japanese father emphasizing "how" the mother died. I definitely think it was a great reminder how culturally we all have failed to emphasize the importance on human emotion and wellbeing and put it second to power, authority, and blame. We really are insensitive to the notions that all humans suffer and maybe helping each other should be top priority.… Expand

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8

HowardS.Feb 7, 2007

Kindness and indifference are indelibly linked to whether an action is based upon fear or courage. The tourists acting out of fear demonstrate the most obvious indifference with no shortage of words to justify their actions. Playing the Kindness and indifference are indelibly linked to whether an action is based upon fear or courage. The tourists acting out of fear demonstrate the most obvious indifference with no shortage of words to justify their actions. Playing the terrorist card indiscriminantly appeals to fear,not courage. The japanese deaf mute, probably the most courageous and yet vulnerable character in the film, exists without speech yet demonstrates the greatest power of communication and empathy by the squeezing of her father's hand. The point is not to rid oneself of language, as the elaborate note given to the Japanese police officer bears witness, but rather to recognize how language itself has the capacity to distort. Without exception the most unambivalent acts of kindness are perpetuated without words in this film, from the elderly morrocan lady to the local doctor whose actions saved the life of Blanchett's character. This film is growing on me.… Expand

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8

ThomasB.Mar 11, 2007

Really did a number on me emotionally, many scenes I will always remember.

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8

DonQ.Mar 4, 2007

Not a 10, it had some flaws. Not a 3 or a 0 either, it wasn't that bad. I admit I'm in a small minority, but I was predicting AND hoping that this would win best picture. Beautifully directed, well-acted, and original (as opposed Not a 10, it had some flaws. Not a 3 or a 0 either, it wasn't that bad. I admit I'm in a small minority, but I was predicting AND hoping that this would win best picture. Beautifully directed, well-acted, and original (as opposed to a movie based on a 2002 Hong Kong thriller). Yeah, so it didn't come together in a nice resolution in the end. Real life doesn't always have a nice resolution. Also, anyone notice this: 2005 winner Crash's Metacritic score: 69 2006 nominee Babel's Metacritic score: 69.… Expand

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8

RussellL.Jun 15, 2007

Jason, you're an idiot! The reason she could take the call was because it happened before she even went to Mexico. Weren't you paying attention? This was the link between the different threads in the movie, but the time frames were Jason, you're an idiot! The reason she could take the call was because it happened before she even went to Mexico. Weren't you paying attention? This was the link between the different threads in the movie, but the time frames were different, that's all.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

TracyB.Dec 9, 2006

Beautiful film- of all of his work I would rate this the lowest, yet it is still heads above most director's work.

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8

SteveJan 15, 2007

Alejandro's weakest of the trilogy, but still a joy to watch great actors in an international drama.

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8

AlexS.Apr 25, 2007

Powerful and beautifully shot. Not your usual Hollywood movie.

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8

BtvalleyFeb 13, 2009

This was a masterful piece. Truthfully one of the best pictures I have ever seen. To Piper L: Did you ever think that this is what the director wanted you to see, that Americans are egocentric, and ethnocentric on their own values and This was a masterful piece. Truthfully one of the best pictures I have ever seen. To Piper L: Did you ever think that this is what the director wanted you to see, that Americans are egocentric, and ethnocentric on their own values and customs, not of those of others. This happens everyday in many countries but becasue we as an American Cultrue are to blind, with our starbucks coffee and big screen tv's, to see how much we really impact the world and those in it. Step outside the box my friend.… Expand

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8

dheerajiJun 19, 2012

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, but am not exactly sure what I liked about it. It's somewhat depressing and certainly isn't action-packed. Definitely worth watching.

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8

SpangleMay 7, 2016

A beautifully interwoven story of the human condition and dealing with loss that spans continents, Babel is a truly marvelous work from director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. The film crafts wonderfully deep characters who walk, talk, and actA beautifully interwoven story of the human condition and dealing with loss that spans continents, Babel is a truly marvelous work from director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. The film crafts wonderfully deep characters who walk, talk, and act like real human beings experiencing these events. Even better, it treats them all equally and never points fingers, instead making us feeling incredible amounts of sympathy even for those who made mistakes. The acting is superb and this compliment extends to the entire cast, not just Hollywood a-listers Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. The writing is fantastic and the film never drags, even in its slower parts. Additionally, the nonlinear storytelling is never a problem and the film lets you know when each piece is taking place with no confusion. Overall, Babel is a stirring and deeply touching examination of loss and humanity.… Expand

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8

Compi24Jun 21, 2013

The performances are poignant, the camerawork is stimulating, the four stories interlock brilliantly, and in spite of some moderate pacing issues, "Babel" makes for a supremely thought-provoking trip.

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8

MichaelJacobDec 8, 2013

I thought that overall it was a pretty well-made movie. At the start I thought the subtitles were going to be distracting, but after a while it became second nature. I thought that the transitions between each of the different stories workedI thought that overall it was a pretty well-made movie. At the start I thought the subtitles were going to be distracting, but after a while it became second nature. I thought that the transitions between each of the different stories worked really well and wee well timed and that most camera angles worked well. The acting was plain up until half way through the film, and I thought that Brad Pitt's character grew throughout the film. The storyline itself, was pretty good, except I would have loved to see a bit more knots tied toward the end of the film, answering some questions that are still left unanswered. The Lighting throughout the film worked well, as it was used in good detail and helped to tell the story better. The lighting wasn't too dark either, which is good. I think the music and sounds worked really well, I especially love when the audience is put in inaudible as it makes the audience fell that sense of hopelessness. The film didn't contain many special effects and I think in some cases, these could have been used to enhanced the film. I particularly like the scene where they are in the nightclub in Japan, I think that the lighting in this scene is great, the way it confuses the audience, but yet still shows them what they are supposed to see.… Expand

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8

geo333Apr 28, 2022

This film reminds me of the movie crash in that it follows multiple storylines that are connected, this format helped him win an Oscar for Birdman. The movie as a whole has a good message about how even though we have different languages orThis film reminds me of the movie crash in that it follows multiple storylines that are connected, this format helped him win an Oscar for Birdman. The movie as a whole has a good message about how even though we have different languages or cultures we are connected because we are all humans.… Expand

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8

TriggrdDec 14, 2015

One of the most underrated movies about the development of human nature in wilderness, urban surroundings. It also tells very emotional and comprehensible stories about miscommunication as the source for conflict and personal tragedies

|One of the most underrated movies about the development of human nature in wilderness, urban surroundings. It also tells very emotional and comprehensible stories about miscommunication as the source for conflict and personal tragedies

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BUT
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prepare some snacks cause that movie unfortunately got stretched way too long for his own good… Expand

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8

chris247482Jan 3, 2016

This film is similar to Crash in the way the narrative is setup, although it is tackling different issues. I just got around to watching it in 2015, although it came out in 2006. The directing and camera work were well done, but really whatThis film is similar to Crash in the way the narrative is setup, although it is tackling different issues. I just got around to watching it in 2015, although it came out in 2006. The directing and camera work were well done, but really what moved me was some of the supporting acting. Brad Pitt is in the film and while I am a fan and he did well, his is not the acting I am referring to. In specific two of the supporting actresses (who were nominated for academy awards as a result of this film) really stood out and those are Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi.

Jennifer Hudson ended up winning the academy award and that was such a mistake. I think either of these other two actresses deserved it more. Of the two Kikuchi who plays a teenage deaf girl in Japan provided one of the most moving performances I have seen in a very long time and she did it without speaking any English, actually without speaking at all with the exception of sign language or writing notes. Many of the scenes where she has to convey what her character is feeling and experiencing she does so with her eyes and facial expressions.… Expand

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8

tripp2themoviesJan 2, 2018

"Babel" is the type of movie that can fail after one small misstep. But director Alejandro G. Iñárritu is very careful to ensure that it doesn't. "Babel" might not be as strong as some of the other works by this director, (Amores Perros) but"Babel" is the type of movie that can fail after one small misstep. But director Alejandro G. Iñárritu is very careful to ensure that it doesn't. "Babel" might not be as strong as some of the other works by this director, (Amores Perros) but "Babel" still packs an emotional punch for anyone. There are four different stories taking place during this film, and you might not like all of them, but at least one of them will make you cry at some point. (In my case, two of them) Brad Pitt is absolutely spectacular in this movie, along with many child actors that surprised me with how good their performances were.… Expand

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8

amheretojudgeJun 28, 2018

is actually crystal clear..

Babel Starring : Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael Garcia Bernal and Rinko Kikuchi Writer : Guillermo Arriaga Director : Alejandro G. Inarritu 4 out of 5 Babel follows up four different tales that are somehowis actually crystal clear..

Babel

Starring : Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael Garcia Bernal and Rinko Kikuchi Writer : Guillermo Arriaga Director : Alejandro G. Inarritu

4 out of 5

Babel follows up four different tales that are somehow interconnected with its pragmatic and three dimensional characters, and binding it all lies a metaphorical poem that depicts the innocence, mistakes and the consequences it breeds as the next-or-any-for-that-matter generation springs. There have been plenty of such features that focuses on various sub-plots that sometimes are either connected or not connected, but this one stands alone for despite of ticking for around 140 minutes, the feature keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of the seat which is somewhat of a milestone in its own way.

The script is gripping, thought-provoking and well structured, especially its approach to the plot track, whether it be crossover or an individual, is just breath-taking. It is shot beautifully and is rich on its technical aspects like cinematography, background score, sound effects, art design and editing.

Alejandro G. Inarritu; the director, as usual doesn't disappoint on its execution, whether then it be to create complex entity among characters or emotions that pours out like rain on screen. The feature scores majestically on performance where every supporting cast- there isn't any definite protagonist in here whose story is followed, it is a plot driven feature- (Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Gael Garcia Banel) is giving its all in to factor in on the bigger picture.

Babel is actually crystal clear on its vision that it anticipated to share, and is also sharp on flaunting it through nerve fleshing visuals.… Expand

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8

TheEventsOf1989Jan 10, 2020

Probably the most impressive thing about "Babel" is that it manages to tell accurate stories from several different cultures. It follows a wheel story format, molding several different stories into one. It contains a very powerful theme, butProbably the most impressive thing about "Babel" is that it manages to tell accurate stories from several different cultures. It follows a wheel story format, molding several different stories into one. It contains a very powerful theme, but it didn't come off as overly preachy, and its visuals where fairly effective.… Expand

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7

HumbertoT.Nov 6, 2006

The recurring theme I found in this film is the difficulty of communication between us humans--whether due to language barriers, prejudices, and personal agendas. The main characters in each of the three storylines ultimately suffer due to The recurring theme I found in this film is the difficulty of communication between us humans--whether due to language barriers, prejudices, and personal agendas. The main characters in each of the three storylines ultimately suffer due to the inability to make one's intentions and purposes understood by others. They are all victims of particular circumstances but the circumstances are in a way universal. The title of the film is itself a nod to this theme...after all 'Babel' was the biblical event in which God confounded the universal language so that mankind could no longer work together constructing a ziggurat that would reach the heavens...the film Babel offers no opinion as to the truth of that biblical tale, but rather a meditation on a state of affairs where it takes a crisis for people to truly listen to one another, and even then at times tragically fail to get the message.… Expand

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7

MarkB.Jan 5, 2007

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga (Amores Perros and 21 Grams, their best film) reunite again for this exceedingly well-made but punishing tower of human misery, misunderstanding and the consequences of making Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga (Amores Perros and 21 Grams, their best film) reunite again for this exceedingly well-made but punishing tower of human misery, misunderstanding and the consequences of making mind-roastingly terrible mistakes that, like Vittorio DeSica's neorealist classic The Bicycle Thief, is a film I'm glad I saw once...and ONLY once. Two Moroccan kids use a gun recently received as a gift in the worst possible way; parties directly or indirectly involved in the fallout include a U.S. couple (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett) suddenly stranded in unfamiliar surroundings as they fight for life, a domestic (Adrianna Barraza) working here who hits an immigration wall when she decides to attend a wedding, and--most obscurely--a Japanese businessman and his deaf, seriously sexually disturbed teen daughter. Like their other films (and Paul Haggis' Crash) this deals heavily with the capriciousness of both fate and human error; while reaching the perhaps inevitable conclusion that fortune often favors those who are already quite well-off (and American), it commendably doesn't try to score easy points with facile U.S.-bashing. Equally notable is that, in keeping with its theme of people of many nations inextricably connected to one another by human experience but tragically separated by their inability to understand each other (which is actually an inversion of the Biblical account of the Tower of Babel, in which God punishes the nations of the world for attempting to form a common language and government, leaving Him out in the proceedings) Babel doesn't create any real villains. There are no Iagos, Medeas or Stanley Kowalskis here acting out of pure evil, cruelty or psychopathic self-interest; at worst, there are just people in authority doing their jobs the best they can. I hope the Motion Picture academy of Arts and Sciences sees fit to look beyond the usual corral of science fiction/ action epics that usual fill the editing and sound effects categories and honor this film there: Inarritu's work with sound, especially in a sequence where the deaf girl enters a disco, is truly phenomenal. However, despite all of Babel's excellences, its worldview is so unrelentingly bleak, and most of its stories play out that way, that I left the theater wanting as desperately to watch a musical or romantic comedy to cleanse the old palate as I'm beginning to think that Inarritu and Arriaga truly need to make one. Unfortunately, given their output at this point, I'm also beginning to suspect that I'M more capable of making one than they'll ever be!… Expand

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7

RGMar 2, 2007

This was a let down. huge fan of Inarritu and writer arriaga, but there is just too much being hammered on scene after scene. not to say its a bad effort. gorgeous looking film and some solid acting: while jenifer hudson sang in dreamgirls This was a let down. huge fan of Inarritu and writer arriaga, but there is just too much being hammered on scene after scene. not to say its a bad effort. gorgeous looking film and some solid acting: while jenifer hudson sang in dreamgirls rinko kikuchi played a deaf and mute to get feelings across (brilliant actn). pitt and the rest are strong as well but the movie just lags. where prev two movies felt a little looser, this felt more contrived. i cannot help but draw comparison to crash, but this is still way better than that. the movie is def worth checking for the rikus story(some real powerful moments there), even though everything connects has been beaten to death. 5 without Rinko.… Expand

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7

caporegimeJun 10, 2009

If it were not for the cast and the crew then, this movie will be dumb.

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7

KhayrA.Jan 1, 2007

Thought provoking film about the things we take for granted and the mistakes in judgement we make, especially those attributed to loss and/or gain.

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7

SoniaG.Jan 13, 2007

All the ingredients but lacked the punch.

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7

SteveA.Jan 19, 2007

This movie had some very good acting. The movie had a realistic feel to it, if not gritty and ugly. However, the movie felt long, and it was hard to watch that much suffering. The movie just seemed to get more miserable and hopeless as it This movie had some very good acting. The movie had a realistic feel to it, if not gritty and ugly. However, the movie felt long, and it was hard to watch that much suffering. The movie just seemed to get more miserable and hopeless as it progressed...spoiler, spoiler...until, at the end, you had one child being killed, two more children barely clinging to life, another one begging to die, and one stripping naked in an attempt to be loved. Pretty harrowing stuff, but extremely well made, nonetheless.… Expand

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7

ChristopherW.Feb 21, 2007

'Babel' has four compelling stories that might indeed make four interesting films. Unfortunately, even though the narrative holding them together is more clearly defined than in his last two features, the interconnections between 'Babel' has four compelling stories that might indeed make four interesting films. Unfortunately, even though the narrative holding them together is more clearly defined than in his last two features, the interconnections between these four stories make each of them feel a bit like tangents instead of revelations. The cast is superb and the film is fascinating and emotionally arresting throughout, but the ending doesn't really bring these four seemingly disparate stories together as one might expect, and, as a result, the film as a whole is slightly unsatisfying. Nonetheless, 'Babel' has much to offer the patient, perceptive viewer and is most certainly worth watching! As a note, 2006 was a great year for Spanish directors. 'Volver,' 'Pan's Labrynth, 'Children of Men,' and, of course, 'Babel' are all great examples of the talent and artistry that reside outside of Hollywood.… Expand

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7

JR.Mar 24, 2007

I enjoyed this movie even though I thought I'd hate it because it would be like seeing Crash again. I found all the characters and their performences very entertaining. I could also name 100 flaws with Babel but its best to just exept I enjoyed this movie even though I thought I'd hate it because it would be like seeing Crash again. I found all the characters and their performences very entertaining. I could also name 100 flaws with Babel but its best to just exept it for what it is.… Expand

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7

NancyH.Nov 11, 2006

Heart wrenching and tragic. Makes you want to take out emergency evacuation insurance when traveling. Rinko Kikuchi was astounding--she had a lot to communicate. The plight of everone was human and painful. The movie is long, so if you have Heart wrenching and tragic. Makes you want to take out emergency evacuation insurance when traveling. Rinko Kikuchi was astounding--she had a lot to communicate. The plight of everone was human and painful. The movie is long, so if you have bad knees, watch out.… Expand

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7

LindaL.Dec 31, 2006

From the "wrenching complexity" school of filmmaking, and don't forget that this director got a more incredible performance from Sean Penn in "21 Grams" than his highly praised turn in "Mystic River." This movie does not hang together From the "wrenching complexity" school of filmmaking, and don't forget that this director got a more incredible performance from Sean Penn in "21 Grams" than his highly praised turn in "Mystic River." This movie does not hang together as well, but the performances are engrossing -- the one by the Mexican actress most of all, I would say.… Expand

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7

NatalieO.Apr 25, 2007

It was well acted, and visually stunning (especially the Japanese story), but there was no punch to it. Besides the music, it is quite forgettable

0 of 0 users found this helpful

7

babel_viewerNov 6, 2010

The title of the movie it explains it well..The definition of babel is a scene of confusion and noise, which is based off the biblical definition. The movie wasn't bad but the music was horrible and the story of the asian girl is irrelevantThe title of the movie it explains it well..The definition of babel is a scene of confusion and noise, which is based off the biblical definition. The movie wasn't bad but the music was horrible and the story of the asian girl is irrelevant and has hardly anything to do with the main story. It is worth watching if you have netflix or something. To the people who overly sensitive people complaining about the "graphic" parts of the movie you need to stick with Disney movies if you don't like it. They are simply showing real things that happen in this world, it is rated R for a reason and even explains the graphic natures of the movie before you watch it. Overall the movie was good, it just could use some touches to make it better.… Expand

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7

ThegodfathersonMay 20, 2013

Babel, which borrows its title from the Genesis 11 account of the moment in history when God scrambled humankind's languages and locations to limit our effectiveness at achieving corporate evil, is a masterpiece of raw cinematic emotion hungBabel, which borrows its title from the Genesis 11 account of the moment in history when God scrambled humankind's languages and locations to limit our effectiveness at achieving corporate evil, is a masterpiece of raw cinematic emotion hung on a framework of muddled messages and extreme content. As an exercise in empathy, Iñárritu's stories nailed me. Once I bought into the characters and their settings (and to the director's credit, I bought hard), every moment of the film was drenched in anxiety, sorrow and dread. The fact that not all of the tales end in utter loss offered little relief. And the movie's sadness hung with me long after I left the theater.… Expand

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7

CineAutoctonoJul 21, 2015

This movie is a symbol of power to seek peace and reconciliation in each country and a help for the human superation and equality. Gonzalez Inarritu makes magnificent award-winning films such as " Birdman" go forward by " The Revenant" .

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7

eva3si0nJan 31, 2022

Babel completes the Alejandro Iñárritu trilogy. Of all three films personally for me, Babel is the weakest. In the first of 3 stories, Japanese history is connected literally by 1 event. Second, Babel doesn't have many deaths, and it's not aBabel completes the Alejandro Iñárritu trilogy. Of all three films personally for me, Babel is the weakest. In the first of 3 stories, Japanese history is connected literally by 1 event. Second, Babel doesn't have many deaths, and it's not a pardon of the death trilogy. Looking Babel there is no such gravity as when watching 2 previous films. The drama itself does not live, which is surprising for the film Iñárritu. Well, personally, it seemed to me that the story was under-told. Still, I consider Amores Perros the best film in the trilogy… Expand

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6

PatC.Apr 9, 2007

One of the most intelligent movies to recently come out of Hollywood, but it deliberately confounds the viewer in the early going. Nothing can be gained from doing so. The best movies are entertainment that flows effortlessly, not a test of One of the most intelligent movies to recently come out of Hollywood, but it deliberately confounds the viewer in the early going. Nothing can be gained from doing so. The best movies are entertainment that flows effortlessly, not a test of one's attention span and interrelational skills.… Expand

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6

SibuV.Apr 20, 2008

Wonderfully done, but the ending is very vauge.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

NadieJan 15, 2007

Gonzalez Inarritu needs to understand that the format is not a style. The third movie that breaks three stories into pieces and starts with the ending (and I know it

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

LauraHFeb 21, 2007

Eh. This is a decent film but nothing earth shattering. I didn't feel very invested in any of the characters. The Japanese deaf/mute girl story was the most interesting and visually pleasing. The movie is long and it feels long. Eh. This is a decent film but nothing earth shattering. I didn't feel very invested in any of the characters. The Japanese deaf/mute girl story was the most interesting and visually pleasing. The movie is long and it feels long. I'm not sure how this got nominated for best picture other than the Brad Pitt sphere of influence.… Expand

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6

MarkR.Mar 13, 2007

The sum adds up to less than the parts. There is enough here for two or three films and it probably would have worked out best that way. There is a feeling that the stories are all incomplete.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

RobynG.Mar 2, 2007

Can someone please explain the japanese link to me? I get the whole gun connection(weak if you ask me)What is the meaning of the girl lying about her mom's death and the note she gave the detective. Can someone explain what that whole Can someone please explain the japanese link to me? I get the whole gun connection(weak if you ask me)What is the meaning of the girl lying about her mom's death and the note she gave the detective. Can someone explain what that whole part is about cause I certainly don't get it and it is really annoying me.… Expand

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6

AndyJan 20, 2007

A movie worth seeing but one I could probably never watch again. The acting is superb and the stories are only slightly flawed but the whole tone of the movie is not something I wanted to sit through for nearly 2.5 hours.

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6

AjazKhanDec 28, 2007

The only message apparent in the entire film was: "Americans are the best! Rest all (contextually the Mexicans & Afghanis) are uncouth and gruff. Though the direction was superb and the script was excellent. The placing of stories was thoughThe only message apparent in the entire film was: "Americans are the best! Rest all (contextually the Mexicans & Afghanis) are uncouth and gruff. Though the direction was superb and the script was excellent. The placing of stories was though not very creative, but was impactful. The Thai story acted as a lachrymorosing agent for the film, while the Afghani & the Mexican parts were the substance of the movie. Babel should be considered as a mild answer to the all-time-legend "Crash"… Expand

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6

BrutusO.Mar 11, 2007

Well acted, but unforgiveably over-wrought and unnecessarily manipulative. Frankly, it would be hard to not be affected by any such series of contrived, highly stressful human interactions, especially when they are laid out before you by Well acted, but unforgiveably over-wrought and unnecessarily manipulative. Frankly, it would be hard to not be affected by any such series of contrived, highly stressful human interactions, especially when they are laid out before you by skilled film technicians in a (vaguely) interconneceted narrative. But if you strip away the multi-ethnic gloss, the rapid cutting and the star power, all this really represents is nothing more substantial than four of those dreadful telemovies on the Hallmark channel. Deaf schoolgirl sexually repressed! Childminder kidnaps children and disappears to Mexico! American tourists get trapped in terrorist incident and amazingly find out that the dirty natives are actually human after all! Children shoot someone by accident and this brings about unexpected tragedy! All a bit trite, really. But despite everything in this movie that grates, nevertheles some degree of genuine humanism emerges, and the stars acquit themselves pretty well. Ultimately I suspect we have the "Finnegan's Wake" of modern film here, when Inarittu was probably aiming more at directing the modern "Ulysses". And cheers to the Academy for not getting too transfixed by the hype.… Expand

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6

JohnO.Apr 18, 2007

Its beautifully shot and the performances are first class but as many have said there isn't really anything of great substance to connect the various storylines convincingly. Inarrito is undoubtedly extremely talented but I'd hoped Its beautifully shot and the performances are first class but as many have said there isn't really anything of great substance to connect the various storylines convincingly. Inarrito is undoubtedly extremely talented but I'd hoped for more. Just one story with a fully developed plot perhaps. Pleeease!!?… Expand

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6

KostasA.Jul 10, 2007

It was quite a good film. But, I don't think that without the Japan part it would be worse. In some way it just didn't fit in the story. The acting was excellent and mostly as far as the children are concerned. Brand Pit did at It was quite a good film. But, I don't think that without the Japan part it would be worse. In some way it just didn't fit in the story. The acting was excellent and mostly as far as the children are concerned. Brand Pit did at least something not heroic in his career and wasn't the one who saves the world. The direction was worth the award. Lastly, I have one question, what was the meaning of the scene in which the boy masturbated? I can't understand what it was to show us. If somebody does, please mail me, I'm really curious.… Expand

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6

RidleyJFeb 24, 2008

I love art house human drama movies , so I was looking forward to this, but I found it to be really vapid. There's no depth to any of the roles here, and to be honest I got bored during the movie. It has only one moving scene in theI love art house human drama movies , so I was looking forward to this, but I found it to be really vapid. There's no depth to any of the roles here, and to be honest I got bored during the movie. It has only one moving scene in the whole movie, and although that was pewtty powerful, it just wasn't enough. Crash I will remember forever. Babel I will quickly forget.… Expand

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6

CuculizaONov 29, 2006

Gonzalez Inarritu is a great, talented director, but his ambition to make an emotional "epic" bombs. Its way too long and the characters are poorly developed, by the middle of the film I couldn't have cared if all of them died. The Gonzalez Inarritu is a great, talented director, but his ambition to make an emotional "epic" bombs. Its way too long and the characters are poorly developed, by the middle of the film I couldn't have cared if all of them died. The Mexican part almost felt like a joke, the Morrocan one was ok but felt flat. Still, the Japan part was masterly done. And by the way, enough is enough with interlocking stories in a movie. We've seen it all already.… Expand

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6

WHoCaresOct 24, 2006

Oh shut up. This film is far from a 10. First off, there is very little acting, and when there is, spare the Japanese story, it's average at best. This film was by far his most dependent on music and beautiful cinematography, whihc wasOh shut up. This film is far from a 10. First off, there is very little acting, and when there is, spare the Japanese story, it's average at best. This film was by far his most dependent on music and beautiful cinematography, whihc was existent. Yet Babel needs words, its titled Babel and there's very little character development to tell us a story about these chracters, who they are and where they came from. Storytelling it is even worse, for this is the 3rd time around from Perros and 21 Grams, and the story is desperate, tedious and even less coherant. It's far from uplifting, and its length and lack of dialogue and character development make it less powerful. It is far from the finest film of 2006- maybe one of the best shot movies, but this is a step down from 21 grams, as 21 grams was a step down from Perros. THis movie doesn't deserve an Oscar or a Nobel Fucking Peace Prize, because Innaritu fails at the very thing he was going for if he was serious about titeling it Babel. And by far the best story was the Japanese one, which was so poorly tied together with the film. GO watch some real movies before you spew out 10's on a film that isn't even as close to as good as his other two. Yeah its not bad, and yeah, its very pretty. But this is nothing new from his others, and its even less special.… Expand

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6

ElliotZ.Oct 28, 2006

The year's biggest disappointment thus far. It's pretentious, boring, incoherent, and ultimately tries to say something in a muddled manner. The acting is Oscar-worthy and the cinematography is brilliant, but the film itself is The year's biggest disappointment thus far. It's pretentious, boring, incoherent, and ultimately tries to say something in a muddled manner. The acting is Oscar-worthy and the cinematography is brilliant, but the film itself is annoying, ponderous, and ultimately disappointing.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

SteveS.Jan 21, 2007

A movie that lingers in the heart long after it has ended, but which ultimately gives impression of being far too coincidentally dazzling. There's a growing sense of "But wait: There's more" as the movie rushes towards its A movie that lingers in the heart long after it has ended, but which ultimately gives impression of being far too coincidentally dazzling. There's a growing sense of "But wait: There's more" as the movie rushes towards its seemingly drawn out conclusions. I would have rated it higher if at least one of the American kids had died in the desert, just as one of the Moroccan kids had. The stupidity of the nanny voluntarily putting the 2 kids and herself in the car driven by her clearly intoxicated nephew led me to lose all sympathy for her later plight. The message of the film seems to be that, while Americans suffer when they venture away from their homeland, its non-Americans who truly pay the price. Thank God, I suppose, that the naked Japanse girl never gave ghouls the satisfaction of jumping off the balcony. Somebody needs to help this young girl get her hugs and cuddles without needing to take off her panties!… Expand

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6

ReidF.Jan 27, 2007

I struggled with this film because conceptually, it is a very good idea, and it contains moments of pure brilliance. Unfortunately, it is about an hour too long and could seriously have benefited from a substantial edit. It ended up on this I struggled with this film because conceptually, it is a very good idea, and it contains moments of pure brilliance. Unfortunately, it is about an hour too long and could seriously have benefited from a substantial edit. It ended up on this list because months later, there are scenes about which I can… Expand

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6

SteveK.Feb 21, 2007

There are some very rich themes here about the things that divide us - cultural differences, language, fear, and mistrust. The movie explores them through the context of one event and four different sets of people who are all loosely There are some very rich themes here about the things that divide us - cultural differences, language, fear, and mistrust. The movie explores them through the context of one event and four different sets of people who are all loosely connected to the event. The connection between the different stories is incredibly weak and serves little purpose in meaning or even plot development. All of the tragedies and misunderstandings feel a bit contrived as everything inevitably goes wrong, and the events feel even more contrived as they resolve. This is not light movie fare. I applaud the movie makers for trying to say something important, but in the end, it's all a bit dreary and forced. There are some great performances throughout, but the plot moves at a snail's pace and in the end, the movie says much less than what it tries to and it forgets to be entertaining along the way.… Expand

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6

johnmcNov 18, 2006

It struggles but in the end it's pointless. Whatever ponderous point it was trying to make never developes. Good acting for naught.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

grandpajoe6191Dec 26, 2011

Don't get me wrong; "Babel" is a grim yet seducing movie, one that is capable of diving deep into the diverse, infrastructural lives of others. But what pulls the pants down for this one is that there is no progress or moral. The movie just.....ends.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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6

RobertBroganSep 28, 2015

Babel is a mixed bag.While it does not feel very long, its main defect is its length. A shorter movie with tighter focus would have had a greater dramatic impact without having to sacrifice its social message. The colonialist attitudes killedBabel is a mixed bag.While it does not feel very long, its main defect is its length. A shorter movie with tighter focus would have had a greater dramatic impact without having to sacrifice its social message. The colonialist attitudes killed any sympathy for the central characters. But overall, it is still engaging and still worth seeing.… Expand

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6

enzartoJan 9, 2016

Babel tells the story of intertwining narratives across several characters and their lives, and how their predicaments are interrelated. A nanny is eager to attend her son's wedding, but she is unable to find a temporary babysitter for twoBabel tells the story of intertwining narratives across several characters and their lives, and how their predicaments are interrelated. A nanny is eager to attend her son's wedding, but she is unable to find a temporary babysitter for two children she is charged with guardianship over. Thus she decides to take the children with her across border to Mexico. The children's parents are travelling in Morocco, and while on a touring bus, the wife is shot by a native Moroccan boy, who is with his brother trying out a his father's rifle on a mountaintop. The father of the two boys, Ibrahim Hassad, is now wanted by the local police and for a part of the plot, attempts his escape after discovering the shooting which has now also become an international story. Finally the rife was given to him prior to the events of the story by a Japanese man who was hunting in Morocco. The man believed he had a formidable hunting guide, and as a token of his gratitude, gives the guide this rifle, which eventually is sold to the father of these two boys.

The film itself overall was very engaging, and due to the multiple characters and the dimensional plot, the audience will remain very interested in what happens next, and ultimately how it ends. However, the necessity of some of the characters certainly comes into question as the film draws to its close.

For example, the Japanese man's purpose in the story was solely that he had given a rifle to a Moroccan hunting guide. However there is a subplot to his life, in that he has a daughter who deals with how her peers perceive her deafness, and a wife who committed suicide, however her method of suicide is purposely posed in the film as an undiscovered truth with some suggestions. The daughter's character is probably the most interesting character in the film, and the director's portrayal of her deaf experience is admirable and prone to empathy. However, the daughter's purpose in the overall plot that attempts to bring narratives to crossroads is a painfully pointless appendix, and a frustrating hindrance to the story.
She does not affect the film in anyway if she were to be removed, especially the detail of the dead wife.

Besides the daughter who is actually a character that poses dimension, humanized situations that create an engaging audience, the other characters, with the slight exception of the boy who shot the American woman, are very uninteresting. In a general sense, one would wish that the American women survives, but sadly if she did not, hearts wouldn't be broken. She isn't a character that the story makes you care for, and neither is Brad Pitt's.

Some of the events are also rather implausible and poorly conveyed. For instance, a nanny who is both an an illegal immigrant and employee of these two American parents, would certainly take extra caution and perhaps sacrifice her opportunity to attend her son's wedding in order to avoid putting the two children in serious danger, and to keep her own life secure and prevent deportation. Regardless of this very true point, the plot still, has this way of being very engaging. While the Japanese daughter is the most interesting character in the film, she takes serious risks with a legal official, by attempting to lure to perform sexual activity with her. While her desire for a sexual life which perhaps remains deprived and unexperimented with her condition, her choice of risk is not believable.

The story was very well presented and the film was beautifully expressed. But expression can be beautiful and also pointless, and the film tends to possess this quality of great plot drive, but to no avail. The film is a journey with a destination that is frustrating, because the journey should not have set off in the first place, but for reasons unmentioned it simply fails to be a great movie, and a bad movie.… Expand

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6

NickTheCritickApr 1, 2022

A movie (without particular praise) you can easily forget about. But it must be said that even worse than that has been made.

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5

AndrewM.Jan 26, 2007

The majority of the film is simply uninteresting. The storyline set in Tokyo is the most impressive mostly because of amazing cinematography but the others just seem to lack fundamental excitement.

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5

TonyB.Apr 7, 2008

This noble failure was one of the more overrated films of 2006. Its slow pace, often pretentious cinematography and occasional incoherence make me wonder what some of the fuss was all about. Easily the highlight of this misbegotten effort This noble failure was one of the more overrated films of 2006. Its slow pace, often pretentious cinematography and occasional incoherence make me wonder what some of the fuss was all about. Easily the highlight of this misbegotten effort was the performance of Adriana Barazza as the Mexican nanny. (Incidentally, who is Brad Pitt talking to in his last scene if she is being detained by immigration authorities?)… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful

5

SarahS.Oct 30, 2006

Multiple plot lines only work when they are interrelated. just because a gun is involved in all if them doesn not bring a feeling of connectedness.

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5

RobAFeb 20, 2007

The direction by Inarritu is at times brilliant and the performances by Pitt, Kikuchi and Barraza are all fantastic. But the problem here is Arriaga who's so set on getting his message across that he's willing to manipulate his The direction by Inarritu is at times brilliant and the performances by Pitt, Kikuchi and Barraza are all fantastic. But the problem here is Arriaga who's so set on getting his message across that he's willing to manipulate his characters through ridiculous decisions and extremely coincidental situations just to make his point.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

GWFeb 20, 2007

The funny thing about reading everyone's comments is that this movie is polemical. Isn't that the point? Everyone agrees on the quality of the cinematography and the acting, but are divided on the message. Common complaints: 1) The funny thing about reading everyone's comments is that this movie is polemical. Isn't that the point? Everyone agrees on the quality of the cinematography and the acting, but are divided on the message. Common complaints: 1) racism 2) offense to social mores 3) raw portrayal of human stupity The emotional impact of the film left everyone in the same state. Vacant and depressed. Perhaps the points is not that we are all connected but that we are all disconnected? It might be a movie not about the characters but about ourselves. In this sense, polemiscism is the point. One review, which captured this sense, described the following: "As a mexican, I´m supposed to be real glad this movie is up for the Oscars. I'm not. While others find it touching and human, I think it's incredibly racist and elitist. No one seems to notice that, although all these characters live through tragedy, the tragedies of the rich struck because of a bad twist of fate and turn out Ok in the end. Meanwhile, the poor live tragedies as a punishment for their stupid decisions: giving a rifle to children, taking your baby sitting charges across the border, getting drunk and getting into trouble with the border patrol. The poor people get screwed and the rich get off and live a happy ending? Doesn't that sound like real life?… Expand

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5

Ms.M.Feb 8, 2007

Director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu and screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga have collaborated on three movies, although one may argue that they

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

HC.Mar 24, 2007

First off, insulting people who "don't get it" as Carl F. did is so ironic it's almost pitiful. Carl F. sounds terribly upset over something that has nothing to do with a movie called "Babel". I don't think this movie was First off, insulting people who "don't get it" as Carl F. did is so ironic it's almost pitiful. Carl F. sounds terribly upset over something that has nothing to do with a movie called "Babel". I don't think this movie was horrible --however I did think it was so overtly contrived I couldn't rate it past a five. I "get" what the director did and I don't think it worked that well . Certain performances really shone through the horribly didactic 'plot'--the japanese deaf-mute especially, as well as a key scene between Pitt and Blanchette. The director of photography and the person who did the score were first rate--probably the most successful things about "Babel". however, rest assured, if you liked Babel, I will not insult you or think you an idiot.… Expand

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5

RobertNov 10, 2006

There are lots of problems in this overbaked turnip, but they start with pitt, who is wonderful when all he needs to get by is charm (mr and mrs smith, the ocean movies)...but when asked to act. gulp....

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

CarlM.Nov 19, 2006

Absolutely gut wrenching. I left the theater more exhausted than a 500 mile bicycle race. Some great perfomances however. Particularly by Adriana Barraza.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

LucyNov 27, 2006

This movie overall was good. I think Brad did a great job in it compared to some movies he has done. Most of the stories had a good way of coming together at the end but it left me hanging at the end and that made me not like it so much.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

JimC.Dec 27, 2006

Superb acting wedded to a fragmented plot that dragged on for me. One of the most overrated films of 2006.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

DavidT.Feb 23, 2007

Unimpressive...the use of multi layering storylines is a mere cover up to a less than complex plot/theme. Try Again...

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

WendyB.Feb 4, 2007

Watching "Babel" is like looking at a very abstract painting - the type that leaves the viewer searching for interpretation. At the same time, "Babel" appears to be a terribly tragic abstraction, offering the viewet little hope about the Watching "Babel" is like looking at a very abstract painting - the type that leaves the viewer searching for interpretation. At the same time, "Babel" appears to be a terribly tragic abstraction, offering the viewet little hope about the human conditon. Characters are poorly developed due to limited dialgue, forcing the viewer to rely on his'her knowledge of stereotypes.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

JackW.Apr 8, 2007

Bar good performances and cinematography this film just tried to hard. The way the stories linked was pathetic as were the plot of most of the stories themselves. I can think of so many flaws.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

MarkTAug 13, 2007

So sad that this is what passes for insight. This film is far too laboured, much like Crash, and offers little in the way of humour, lightness of touch, or even horror, to carry its plodding pace. A shame, as this is clearly an important So sad that this is what passes for insight. This film is far too laboured, much like Crash, and offers little in the way of humour, lightness of touch, or even horror, to carry its plodding pace. A shame, as this is clearly an important topic, and we are all seeking art which sheds light on globalisation.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

5

ChadR.Dec 9, 2008

I checked Babel out at the library so I didn't waste my money. Just my time. The value I got out of it was the "slice of life" from different cultures in Japan, Mexico and Morroco. The movie itself was exploitation draped in a thin I checked Babel out at the library so I didn't waste my money. Just my time. The value I got out of it was the "slice of life" from different cultures in Japan, Mexico and Morroco. The movie itself was exploitation draped in a thin pretense. Sure they spoke different languages. Sure they were connected, but in a very contrived way. That doesn't excuse depicting a child pleasuring himself after seeing his sister naked, or a deaf Japanese school girl flashing in public, or a dying woman making out with her husband while using a bedpan. That's just perverted.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

5

TakK.Nov 23, 2006

Unclear or at least weak connections between 3 stories of movies in terms of the theme of the whole.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

AJC.Nov 24, 2006

This movie is far from brilliant. Sure the cinematography is top-notch, and the script is fine. The problem is the story. Aside from the Japanese storyline, the plot is an almost unbelievable heap of misery. Are we supposed to believe that This movie is far from brilliant. Sure the cinematography is top-notch, and the script is fine. The problem is the story. Aside from the Japanese storyline, the plot is an almost unbelievable heap of misery. Are we supposed to believe that the only thing that binds us together as humans are extreme tribulations -- for goodness sake, 4 children almost killed in the movie! The Japan story was subtle and moving, and it redeemed the rest of the movie, which was simply outrageous and unnerving. It's grim without being insightful, and it only feigns hope in the end. The message: the world is a dreadful place, let's all band together on that.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

TimH.Nov 26, 2006

Most overrated film of the year. Heavyhanded and punishingly brutal, the message of the film is obvious and viewers feel like they're beaten over the head with a hammer. We get it already - we have problems communicating.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

TJNov 5, 2006

I had heard really bad things about this movie, but for the first hour I really enjoyed it. It's beautiful looking and well edited and the characters have a palpable humanity and we get a great feel for the settings. Then Inarritu way I had heard really bad things about this movie, but for the first hour I really enjoyed it. It's beautiful looking and well edited and the characters have a palpable humanity and we get a great feel for the settings. Then Inarritu way overplays his hand and connects every dot and then some. Why does everything literally have to connect in this guy's movies? With a little restaint he could have left some of the story up to the viewer's imagination rather than creating an absurd web. He needs to watch a great film like Antonioni's "The Passenger" to see the power of leaving some things unsaid and unexplained. It's a shame because this guy does have a lot of talent and Prieto's cinematography is first rate. The politics of the film are puzzling to say the least. A mess of a movie, but still worth seeing.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

5

W.ChristopherHuffFeb 23, 2007

Hey wow, I liked this movie the first two times when it was called "Traffic" and then "Syriana"! Actually, it's kind of like combining those two films except for there is neither drug trafficking or terrorism, but there is SUSPECTED Hey wow, I liked this movie the first two times when it was called "Traffic" and then "Syriana"! Actually, it's kind of like combining those two films except for there is neither drug trafficking or terrorism, but there is SUSPECTED drug trafficking and terrorism. This film's alright, but it's hardly original.… Expand

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Babel

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