Bella: A Movie Giving Hope on the Big Screen

[JM]

Recently I received an e-mail asking me to write an article about the movie "Bella." It will hit theaters at the end of August. I was requested to use my "wit and wisdom" to help explain why you should see this movie and encourage your family and friends to do the same. The e-mail was long with page after page of information. Now, I don't consider myself all that witty, and certainly not wise, but I made an attempt at condensing the e-ma il. In fact, I made several attempts. I'd lay awake at night trying to figure out the best way to do it.

I'd originally thought this would be any easy assignment. I could tell you about "Bella" and its connections to "The Passion of the Christ," "Chariots of Fire," "Life is Beautiful," and "Crouching Tiger." I could write about the Emmy award winning cast and about the list of awards that "Bella" has received, including the coveted "People's Choice Award" from the Toronto Film Festival. In a nutshell, "Bella" tells the story of a delightful family of immigrants who befriend a young pregnant waitress. But s omething is missing from that "nutshell."

After sitting at the computer for over an hour I went outside to throw ball with my shepherd. Sometimes that's what I do when I need to "take a think." In other words, it clears my mind enough to think outside the box. While playing with her today, I thought about how she brings the ball back to me, drops it, then assumes I'll throw the ball again just like before. It's not like this is a new game. Suddenly, as if hit by lightening I had my answer. I was trying to write an article where it was assumed I'd tell you how "Bella" was made (an incredible story by itself), the movie's plot, (which is a love story, and the celebration of life, relationships and recovery) and about all the awards "Bella" has won since its debut. That is what was expected, of course using my "wit and wisdom."

But what I really want to write about isn't how "Bella" was made, its plot or awards. Instead, I want to tell you about what "Bella" will do to your heart. It will break it. The movie will take you all the way down until you reach rock bottom in the pain and despair of losing everything you hold dear. Then you will take the long and sometimes painful journey of mending your broken heart. "Bella" shows the way, step by step until you reach the mountain top of joy and recovery.

"Bella" has been endorsed by MOVIEGUIDE®, CNN, The American Film Institute, NBC, the New York Times, Fox News with honors by the Smithsonian, and the White House just to name a few. According to Steve McEveety, Executive Producer of " Braveheart" and a produ cer of "The Passion of the Christ," "the last film with Bella's momentum was 'The Passion of the Christ.'"

"Bella" isn't pushy when it comes to the positive elements of God. But it is enough to make one think about the power of prayer. "The Passion of the Christ" tells us how Jesus died. "Bella" tells us why.

"Bella" opens with the familiar quote, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." Like many positive films about faith and hope, Hollywood thought "Bella" would never succeed and refused to have anything to do with it.

I do believe I hear God laughing.

your post made me want to watch the film. so i will look out for it.

[tater03]

Very good post. I have not seen this movie yet but you can bet this weekend I will be looking to see if I can rent it. thanks for the suggestion.