Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Charlize Theron plays Sylvia, a beautiful restaurant manager whose cool, professional demeanor masks the sexually charged storm within. When a stranger from Mexico confronts her with her mysterious past, Sylvia is launched into a journey through space and time that inextricably connects her to these disparate characters, all of whom are grappling with their own romantic destinies. In Mexico, a young motherless girl, Maria, lives happily with her father and his best friend until a tragic accident changes it all. In the New Mexico border town of Las Cruces, two teenagers, Mariana and Santiago, find love in the aftermath of their parents' sudden deaths. In an abandoned trailer, a housewife, Gina, embarks on a passionate affair that will put Sylvia and the others on a collision course with the explosive power of forbidden love.

This is one of the better human dramas I’ve seen from 2009 and I’m surprised I didn’t hear more buzz on it. Theron and Basinger give Oscar worthy performances as afflicted woman and I dare say this is Basinger’s best performance to date. Like the director’s other films (21 Grams and Amores Perros), this one shows the darker side of life and isn’t uplifting in anyway, but it never stumbles and shows that life isn’t always sunshine and easy decisions.

The Blu-ray does a great job showcasing the beautiful photography of this film. From the cold grey of the Pacific Northwest, to the warm backdrop of Texas and Mexico; this is a really great looking film. Contrast levels are solid and I liked the shifting level of detail. The soundtrack has plenty of ambiance and compliments the themes perfectly.

Extras include a look at the production and the film’s music. You also get an HDNet feature on the film and some trailers.

If you’re a fan of the director’s other works this is one to give a look. It shows the darker side of human nature, but it’s also very touching. No issues at all with the presentation make this an easy recommendation.