Babel ****
Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Adriana Barraza, Gael García Bernal, Rinko Kikuchi, Kôji Yakusho
Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Running Length: 2:22
MPAA Classification: R

Two children in Morocco test the range of a new rifle that their father just purchased. Americans Susan (Blanchett) and Richard (Pitt) are on vacation when Susan is shot and badly injured, setting off an international incident. Richard and Susan’s children in America are being watched by their nanny, an illegal immigrant named Amelia (Barraza). She brings the children across the border into Mexico to attend her son’s wedding, and problems arise when they attempt to re-enter America. In Japan, deaf-mute Chieko (Kikuchi) is trying to connect with someone, anyone. All the stories are related, and all come together smoothly in this tale of small mistakes and lapses in judgment, and the consequences that they cause.

Like “21 Grams” before it, in “Babel” director Alejandro González Iñárritu masterfully entwines multiple stories into a compelling film. Packed with solid performances all around. Bernal and Kikuchi in particular are standouts, and their Academy Award nominations are fully warranted. This is not a fun movie, but it is thought provoking and solid. It says a lot about the world we live in and the amount of misunderstanding in it. I highly recommend this film.