Well I have had the movie Bella on my netflix queue for some time now. I know it is supposed to be real good. But I know that the pregnancy is a result of an unGodly relationship. I love stories of redemption but I want your opinions. Is this appropriate for famiy viewing? Is it appropriate for young people over 12? Or what age would you suggest and how descriptive is it about the relationship? I do not agree at all that a baby is ever “punishment” but I see it as a gift from God that we do not deserve but He gives it because of His grace as a way of drawing us to Him. I would appreciate some comments here.
blessings, Penny
Dear Mrs. Raine,
I have seen this movie. I am thirteen years old so your question about 12+ is probably one I can answer. As far as I can remember it didn’t go into the relationship at all. You never even see the father. There is one scene where a car accident occurs that might not be good for younger children. I liked the movie. I don’t think it was my absolute favorite movie, but it was still good.
Lulu
Bella is weighty. It’s not necessarily an inspirational film. It’s a very sobering film. It deals with real-life pain- real life fear.
In a nutshell there are two main characters: the depressed ex-soccer star and a lonely pregnant waitress. Via a gesture of kindness they end up spending the day with each other, visiting places like the beach, his family’s home, and their painful memories from the past: her mother’s neglect, his accident that killed a little girl.
All through the movie is this edginess… will the waitress have an abortion afterall? She keeps saying she will- that she has to. There is even a scene where she goes in at a clinic and lies down on a table, but the audience is not sure if it’s a memory, imagination, or if it’s really happening in the movie. Either way, those places give me major creeps, so that was hard to watch (ended up she didn’t have an abortion).
Another scene that I definitely would not recommend for childre is in a flashback as the soccer guy shares the story of his anguish- the car accident. I had to close my eyes and I almost threw up. They didn’t show any details, but the thought of it was enough to make me ill. I’m real sensitive to that kind of stuff. Even implied violence in the movies can set me nausiated.
Intense. This movie is very intense. It’ll make you cry all over yourself- mourning for babies, rejoicing over what happens in the end. Thank God the ending is beautiful. But it’s not an easy movie to watch. Am I glad I saw it? Yes. Glad I saw it once; not something I’d want in my CD collection.
Personally, I wouldn’t let my children under the age of 12 getting within ear-shot of it. But for children and adults who can comprehend difficult adult problems then it MIGHT be something to watch, followed up with discussion and prayer.
Angelas last blog post..Brrr
Maybe you and Jim could pre-screen it first?
Angelas last blog post..Brrr
Dear Mrs. Raine,
Speaking of movies, have you seen Fireproof?
http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/