21 Grams Movie Review 2003

In his second film (his first in English), Inarritu takes what could have, in the wrong hands, become a trite Lifetime movie, and elevates it in an unusual and compelling fashion. Jack (DelToro), is imprisoned and born-again. Paul (Penn) has a terminal heart disease and needs a transplant. Christina (Watts), a recovering addict, mourns the loss of her family. Of course, the lives of these characters collide. Stellar performances by an excellent cast combine with beautiful cinematography to create a powerful film. Title refers to the amount of weight a body loses upon death.

Distribution

Universal Studios Home Video, 100 Universal City Plz., Universal City, CA 91608-9955, Phone: (818)777-1000, Fax: (818)866-1483, URL: http://www.universalstudios.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 125 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Out of Order, Terminal Illness, Drug Use & Abuse, Widows & Widowers, Family Drama, Religion, Organ Transplants, Mathemagicians

Screenplay

Guillermo Arriaga

Cast

Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Naomi Watts, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Melissa Leo, Clea DuVall, Danny Huston, Paul Calderon

Cinematography

Rodrigo Prieto

Director

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

Music

Gustavo Santaolalla

Other

Jose Antonio Garcia, Stephen Mirrione, Deb Riley, Marlene Stewart, Brigitte Broch

Producer

Robert Salerno, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, This Is That, Y Productions, Focus Features

Awards

L.A. Film Critics 2003: Actress (Watts); Natl. Bd. of Review 2003: Actor (Penn).