Beautiful
It takes a lot for a movie to make its way onto my “favorite movies ever” list. Not only must the quality be there, but it must not offend my Catholic sensibilities either. It also must be good enough for me to give up a couple of hours of would be sleep while my children are in bed. Yes, its a bit to live up to, especially in the current condition of the media. After watching Bella, however, a recent addition to my list was made.
This post is not about the movie itself, however. It is about the book entitled Behind Bella: The Amazing Stories of Bella and the Lives it’s Changed.
I selected this book as my next product to review for two reasons. I LOVE the movie, and I wanted to read something positive, something uplifting. I certainly got it. I started one night in bed, and stayed up until I finished it. I have not done that with a book in quite awhile.
I do not want to give much detail about the first part of the book, suffice to say that one began to wonder how in the world this dvd ever made it into my living room. The hurdles were large and many. But it did not. It did not make it through the powers and sources of the world. It was by the power of God and those willing to “let go and let him” that brought this movie into being. It reminds one of the story of The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson. In the case of Bella, however, the big Hollywood names and easy to come by funding was not in the producer’s back pocket. A former Mexican daytime soap star, fed up with the immorality within the mainstream media, was about all that was had. And yet, by faith alone were connections made, finances acquired and the film finished. Then they still had to get people to watch it. A pro-life movie with no big name actors, no violence and no sex scenes. It had to be by God’s grace alone.
The book details the story of how the movie continually overcame seemingly impossible obstacles. More than once the reader thinks, “thats it. Its over”, except that we know the eventual outcome.
I especially enjoyed the last parts of the book, which share the stories of those who lives were changed (and in some cases allow to even live) by the movie. The actors were changed, the viewers were changed, and in some cases, children whose lives were going to be cut short were given a chance at life. And that is bella.
(When I was contemplating a title for this post, I wanted something that conveyed the story of the movie. I wanted something that described the stories that would result. One word came to mind: beautiful. It was only after I began typing my review that I remembered what bella is Italian for: beautiful.
What I Wish Every Catholic Knew: God is still working in our lives, if only we will open our eyes to see Him, and open our hearts to do His Will.
What I Wish Every Catholic Would Do: Buy Bella. Watch it. Watch it again. Buy a copy for a pregnancy center, that lives may be changed.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Behind Bella – The Amazing Stories about the Making of Bella and the Lives It’s Changed.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my mother: to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
