Benicio Del Toro, Carly Nahon, Charlotte Gainsbourg

A freak accident brings together a critically ill mathematician (Penn), a grieving mother (Watts) and a born-again ex-con (Del Toro).

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83% liked it

74,327 ratings

Critics

82% liked it

171 critics

R, 2 hrs. 5 min.

Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Release Date: November 21, 2003

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DVD Release Date: March 16, 2004

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Stats: 6,827 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (6,827)


  • September 16, 2009
    21 Grams has a get story and as well directed as it was, I hated the editing. It gave me a headache and ruined the film in my opinion!
  • March 14, 2009
    Naomi Watts's performance of a lifetime ... Wow!

    Great filmmaker, great cast.
  • November 5, 2008
    Not a particularly happy film. Perhaps not even all that rewarding. Clever, insightful, original and emotional but ultimately a thinking, bleeding soulless machine. Great performances all around.
  • August 29, 2008
    "How many lives do we live? How many times do we die? They say we all lose 21 grams... at the exact moment of our death. Everyone. And how much fits into 21 grams? How much is lost? When do we lose 21 grams? How much goes with them? How much is gained? How much is gained? Twenty-...( read more)one grams. The weight of a stack of five nickels. The weight of a hummingbird. A chocolate bar. How much did 21 grams weigh?"

    21 Grams is an intense and expressive film that has left me astonished and in complete awe of it's ability to keep the viewer compelled for it's entirety; this is a film that certainly can't be ignored.

    21 Grams tells a tragic story that is both riveting and gripping from the very moment it begins. It starts with even slight confusion and with a mystifying atmosphere, but as the film goes on it begins to unfold and we see truly what this has to offer. The story is one of tragedy, death, guilt and overall redemption and forgiveness. It centers around three characters, which all eventually coincide with each other, both for better and worse. One of these characters is Paul Rivers, an ill heart transplant patent with corruption both with his health and his relationship with his partner. Another is Cristina Peck, a brokenhearted wife and mother of a tragic accident, with confusion throughout her life. The final character in which this alluring film is centering around is Jack Jordan, an ex-con that was part of an event that changed and impacted his life. When these three come together questions are answered and more arise, as we gradually find out more about these people and their past, and what has brought them together.
    One of the main elements that I loved in 21 Grams was the capability it had to keep the viewer transfixed within the story, without entirely knowing what is going on at any one time. It offers a rare style that is not tried frequently enough, by retelling the story using only small clips at a time, ranging from the end to the beginning to the middle and randomly back again... this in itself made the film unique and incomparable to any other in it's league. With all of this going on, it still manages to keep a fast pace and an intriguing style. The ending was one to leave the viewer in complete awe. It was profound and deep beyond many other films I have seen before, making 21 Grams stand out and impress even more.

    Alejandro González Iñárritu gave this film the clever, expressive and riveting direction that it needed to achieve its high standard. He have an insightful view on the characters, and attained the strong and transfixing style of un-chronological order which has defined this film. The always breathtaking and arousing direction made 21 Grams a film that I am incredibly happy to have seen. Through the range of emotions that this film delivered, at any one moment I didn't even consider the possibility of not being entertained.
    The soundtrack also added to the momentous and potent feeling of the overall film, making it even more of a significant experience.

    Sean Penn was incredible and absolutely a lot better than anyone else imaginable for the same role. He delivered a powerful performance full of emotion and to the extent that I rarely ever see in films. He gave the whole film a lot deeper and more gripping meaning, certainly satisfying any viewer. Naomi Watts was also amazing for her role. She gave the tremendous ability to change from different emotions in short spaces of time. She showed many different feelings coming from her character, and therefore gave a strong sense of expression and passion at any one time. Benicio Del Toro's performance was incomparable... he was gripping and exhilarating, adding to the overall feel of the film and the diversity of characters. Charlotte Gainsbourg contributed extensively even for her smaller role, giving a transfixing and strong performance. Melissa Leo, Clea DuVall and Eddie Marsan were better than average, but didn't have the ability to keep the viewer as allured as other actors do.

    Overall, 21 Grams is an enthralling and incredibly intense film that I strongly recommend to anyone interested. Full of gripping performances, a potent and poignant story, masterful directing and a moving and profound message - this is one that simply cannot be missed.
  • July 20, 2008
    "How many lives do we live?
    How many times do we die?
    They say we all lose 21 grams... at the exact moment of our death... Everyone.

    And how much fits into 21 grams?

    How much is lost?

    When do we lose 21 grams?

    How much goes with them?

    How much is gained
    ...( read more)?

    How much...is gained?

    Twenty-one grams.

    The weight of a stack of five nickels.

    The weight of a hummingbird.

    A chocolate bar.

    How much did 21 grams weigh?"


    21 Grams comes from the same creative team that were responsible for the successful powerhouse film Amores Perros (more commonly titled Love's a Bitch). Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu's 21 Grams is a moody, confronting, stimulating, mesmerising, often gut-wrenching and uncompromising character study that tackles some of humanity's darkest moral difficulties, in addition to delving into the fragility of life and relationships. Director Iñárritu proves his filmmaking skill with this production. In tradition with Amores Perros, he's delivered an equally gritty and challenging product here. The director is capable of managing this genre elegantly. This is a temperamental drama that won't be for all tastes. Similar to the director's prior movie, he again delivers a disjointed but engrossing editing technique capable of encompassing powerful, raw emotional exuberance. It's an unusual film generally devoured enthusiastically by those who can stomach it: a vibrant, riveting complex emotional tale concerning death, life, salvation, religious conviction, violence and confronting personal demons.

    The film is fuelled by a multi-faceted plot that's difficult to outline without divulging regrettable amounts of spoilers. Basically, 21 Grams concerns interweaving storylines following three central protagonists. Paul Rivers (Penn) is a critically ill professor reduced to what he regards as "death's waiting room". Due to a grave heart condition, Paul has nothing to do but wait for a new heart to be transplanted into his chest. If no organ transplant is conducted, Paul will suffer a very unpleasant death. Cristina Peck (Watts) is a recovering drug addict who's also a textbook example of your typical suburban mother: with two beautiful daughters and a loving husband (Huston) back at her ranch. Jack Jordan (Del Toro) is an ex-con who's been an intermittent resident of prison since the age of 16. Now he's being supported by a family who are trying to help him get his life back together and keep it on track. Hoping to find redemption for the crimes he's committed, Jack has turned to Jesus Christ as his saviour and accepted Christianity as his religion. These three seemingly unconnected people clash in an unforgettable, unfortunate series of tragic events.

    The critics wholeheartedly voiced their praises for Alejandro González Iñárritu's 21 Grams, to the point that it's worrying to consider that it was overlooked for Best Picture at the Oscars. The film is simply a brilliant creation frequently overflowing with risky, moving and unflinching performances courtesy of an A-list cast.

    Mexican director Iñárritu tells the film in fragments. Short segments of the film are edited together in a non-linear structure. The interesting thing is that the plot is coherent and linear: the film could work as a logically constructed series of events as opposed to pieces of the puzzle being randomly scattered, leaving the audience to engage their minds to slide each puzzle piece into place. This technique is unnecessary, but it helps remind the audience that this is no ordinary drama. Also, perhaps with the film assembled in a linear structure it could be harder to watch. The film would still be essential viewing, but probably more hard-hitting as the audience wouldn't have time to recover before the next emotional issue is dropped on them.

    At the centre of the filmmaking, the film's actual driving power is found in the enthralling performances. Sean Penn was unfortunately unobserved during Oscar season while his two co-stars were both recognised with nominations in their respective categories. Sean Penn's portrayal is convincing, credible, realistic and uncompromising. The character's major health problems are felt by the audience thanks to Penn's incredible performance. Every struggling breath...each labouring step is palpable and it's effortless to feel completely engaged. Naomi Watts was honoured with an Oscar nomination. Her performance is amazing beyond words. Every time Watts is distraught about the tragedy that has occurred, you will feel truly touched. However, both Penn and Watts are almost overshadowed by the career-altering performance of Benicio Del Toro. He was also granted an Oscar nomination. Del Toro is always infused with such incredible emotional power: he's riveting and believable. At times his character's rage feels like a kick to the gut. And at times you'll feel goose-bumps due to his capability as a performer.

    The masterful filmmaking exhibited in 21 Grams in unlike anything preceding it. The director opted to film the movie employing a grainy look, almost like a home movie. Each assembled fragment is like one situation filmed by someone on their home video camera, and then all the tapes are being played in random order. It feels like the most haunting home movie of all time. The film was made on a tiny budget of only $20 million. This is absolutely mind-blowing when you consider the congregation of A-list actors that beautifully portray their respective characters. The filmmakers also decided to aim for realism as opposed to hyperbolic and Hollywood. The sound mix, music and ambience all conform to this creative decision. Of course this realistic edge makes the film even more riveting...never do the filmmakers tread a false step.

    The realism conveyed in this visually arresting production will have you believing every frame. Unfortunately, on the other hand, the material isn't adequately illuminated as much as the filmmakers probably desired. In addition, there are several "fragments" depicted throughout the film's running time that seem either superfluous or of unnecessary length. As a result, the visual elegance and great performances aren't enough to prevent audiences from being bored to tears at times. Also, with fragmented storytelling the character development is slightly skewed. Hence this was a dangerous decision. Perhaps with a few rearranged "fragments" it'd be more effective. Naturally, more screenings will further allow the audience to see the characters as far more developed.

    Overall, 21 Grams has been regarded as one of 2003's most essential films. It truly is! The masterful filmmaking being offered is of the highest regard: deep visuals, a subtlety touching score, thought-provoking dialogue, stimulating emotional intensity and thoroughly convincing performances that elevate the characters astronomically. You'll be baffled at how truly moving this film is. With no hyperboles in place, the audience will feel truly engaged in the proceedings and transfixed at the visually apprehending feast for the eyes.

  • November 1, 2009
    A gripping pointed story with very good acting.
  • October 31, 2009
    WOW,it messed with my mind,SO Emotional!!!!
  • October 28, 2009
    This movie was amazing. The storylines come together in a great way. It's intense, suspenseful, and has great actors. Definitely a must see!
  • October 24, 2009
    Great performance from Benicio Del Toro & the rest of the crew good story & well directed fell the film was a little long though.
  • October 19, 2009
    Film je u principu dobar, al ga je ono mixanje iliti od milja shuffle unistilo. Do pola filma nisam skontala ko pije a ko placa i onda jos onaj kraj... Precijenjeno.

Critic Reviews


May 3, 2005
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness

The performances, by and large, outweigh the film's unnecessary metaphorical gunk. full review

December 26, 2003
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Challenges and provokes in unexpected ways. full review

November 29, 2003
David Edelstein, Slate

Is the strategy to make you work so hard to determine where you are in the timeline that you overlook what a dreary and conventional little soap opera this is? full review

November 28, 2003
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

Though not depressing, because nothing this good is, the film is haunting -- a walk on the razor's edge between life and death. full review

November 26, 2003
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

Watching it is a wrenching experience; the usual layers of distance between actors and audience are stripped away, and we not only watch their anguish, but become part of it. full review

November 26, 2003
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It grips us, moves us, astonishes us. full review

November 20, 2003
Claudia Puig, USA Today

Unstintingly explores and exposes excruciating pain, raw grief, ruinous vengeance and life-affirming resilience, creating human portraits that are uncommonly exhilarating in their honesty. full review

November 20, 2003
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

You won't see more explosive acting this year. full review

November 18, 2003
Marcy Dermansky, About.com

Challenging, uncomfortable, and uniquely moving. full review

View more 21 Grams reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • MorpheusOne
    January 7, 2009
    I just watched this movie thanks to Flixter and Hulu. Thanks guys!!

    Guillermo Arriaga (screenwriter) explained the main reason behind the non-linear narrative of his and Inarritu's trilogy. He says, "just think about how you tell somebody what happened in your day or any other anecdote and you'll find your narrative is as fragmented or maybe even more as my screenplays. That's why people understand them with no difficulty: it's the way people tell their own stories everyday, starting in the middle, going back to the ending, going back to the beginning and then telling something that has nothing to do with the main theme and then going back to the middle. It's how people talk..."

    Well, I have to say that regardless of whether or not he actually said this, it does explain something about this film, not enough, but something...

    This movie is confusing, but not in or bc of the non-linear way in which the movie was told. It is confusing bc of the very reason why the director and the screenwriter chose to use loop de loop confusion within the continuity of the story which causes it be interesting, confusing, & obfuscating all at the same time. And that does take something away from the film. It could have been a lot better!

    This movie was SUPERBLY acted!!! And if it didn't have the extremely superb acting this movie would have been perhaps the most confusing piece pf cinematic trash, ...perhaps in the history of all cinema!!
  • mistershinobi
    July 26, 2007
    whoever says this movie is "confusing" or "artsy" or stuff like "I don't like non-linear films, they confuse me" and so and so, is stupid!!

    This movie is not confusing AT ALL!
    Guillermo Arriaga (screenwriter) explained the main reason behind the non-linear narrative of his and Inarritu's trilogy. He says, "just think about how you tell somebody what happened in your day or any other anecdote and you'll find your narrative is as fragmented or maybe even more as my screenplays. That's why people understand them with no difficulty: it's the way people tell their own stories everyday, starting in the middle, going back to the ending, going back to the beginning and then telling something that has nothing to do with the main theme and then going back to the middle. It's how people talk..."

    genius!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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21 Grams Trivia


  • Besides Amores Perros, Alejandro González Iñarritu directed a movie starring Naomi Watts, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn. What movie is it?  Answer »
  • what movie is this quote from: "The earth turned to bring us closer. It turned on itself, and it turned within us, to bring you and I together in this dream."  Answer »
  • which actor have played in all this movies? Snatch Traffic 21 Grams Sin City Che  Answer »
  • Which actress has played the lead roles in the movies The Ring, The Ring 2 and 21 Grams?  Answer »

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