Babel (2006)

Misinterpretation, miscommunication

In the world of that is overdosing with the number of popcorn flicks, comes an unforgiving movie, Babel. Folks, discard your buckets of popcorn and nachos. This movie demands attention. Any single lapse of concentration will result in dire consequences. Se préparer, because like a stack of dominoes, there is no turning back.

According to Genesis 11:1-9, mankind tried to reach Heaven by building a Tower of Babel. However, God had other plans. He made people speak different languages and thus caused miscommunication to the people building the Tower of Babel. Mankind failed and was thus segregated forever.

An American couple still grieving over their lost child, a sheep herding Moroccan family, a deaf and mute Japanese girl and a Mexican babysitter makes up the cast of this movie. 4 different countries, 4 different languages and 4 very heartbreaking stories. How do they integrate together? How do they communicate? How is Babel going to end? Can they build another Tower of Babel?

So many burning questions, but so little time. Director Alenjandro Gonzalez Inarritu brings us to a seemingly simple world. But as the clock ticks, the plot thickens. Though slow paced, Inarritu showcases his directing forte. After the much lauded 21 Grams, his flair for story telling is still there. His story though convoluting, is easy to comprehend. Peaceful scenery in a chaotic world seems like the message he is trying to convey.

Look out for Japanese actress, Rinko Kikuchi. Her role as a girl yearning for love is especially heart wrenching. Her body language and her angst filled eyes make up for the lack of lines in the movie. She earned her Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress with a touch of class.

A long tracking shot of Japan ends the movie. Skyscrapers with blinking lights seem to reach out for mankind. Are they laughing at us? Are they the Tower of Babel we are searching for?

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