It struggles but in the end it's pointless. Whatever ponderous point it was trying to make never developes. Good acting for naught.

I was truly disturbed by this movie. I thought it was going to inspire me and make me see how communication is important but it was gross and perverted. And if you like Brad Pitt he's not even in it that much and he isn't that good in this movie either. Seriously a waste of time!!!

Spoilers follow. PLEASE READ if you're having trouble figuring out what this movie's actually about, and even if you think you know, you should try this interpretation on for size.

People judging this movie for its feasibility or realism (this seems to be everyone) have missed the point completely. Although set in real cities with real (if, to some filmgoers, unsatisfying) characters and with many handheld ("realistic") shots, this is a film that operates on a symbolic level to portray how the Western world is poisoning the so-called "Global Village". Think about the fact that the first shot is a man bringing a rifle to an "uncivilized" home. Think, then, about the effects that rifle has on their once peaceful lives. Think about the Japanese man with animal heads mounted in his home (is there a better symbol of imperialism?) that gave this man the rifle in the first place. Think about the bus full of Western tourists so paranoid about the "terrorists" they clearly have equipped. Think about Cate Blanchett being airlifted out of the country like it were Vietnam and the broadcast saying the American's finally have the "happy ending" they so proudly proclaimed when they dethroned Saddam in "Operation Iraqi Freedom". Think about the way the Mexican woman is given a job in the United States, but then treated like slime even after dedicating her life to becoming a contributing member of its society. Think about the deaf girl who begs for her body to be exploited like the sexual objects that fill every sort of media outlet in Western society. Think about how she stands naked and ashamed in the metropolis of the final shot: a human in her natural form is entirely out of place in any fully Westernized place.

This is not some dramatic sapfest about how we should all learn to get along (see "Crash"). This is a poetic portrayal of how the West is bringing the world to its knees.

This would have been the most important film of this year if so many critics and viewers hadn't missed the message entirely.… Expand

My wife asked me to leave several times and I would have...but I paid 20.00 to try and figure out what the hell the director Gonzales was smoking. What ever happened to the John Ford movies? No wonder Hollywood is losing us.

Outstanding film in all respects. Not for your average North American viewer. If you appreciated 21 Grams go see this film. If you enjoy Adam Sandler movies stay away. A movie with a lot to say. Many outstanding acting performances. Don't be mislead by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. They are there in supporting roles.

The scenery was beautiful and fascinating, but the story line left me empty, especially the Japanese segment. At the end, there were no subtitles for that story ... what was the point? It the point was to frustrate me, it could have been done in much less time.

This movie really really sucks. Really 3 subplots tied together with a measly relation so they can tell 3 different stories and call it a movie. Way too long and Brads acting suck, a face to draw people to see a crap movie.

So depressing, you have to wonder what therapy the director and authors need. Even the talented cast are immaterial as you watch the painful tale that was already completely revealed in the trailer. No purpose, no message, just misery.

Four unforgettable famliles set in four different countries, all tied together by one rifle. Interesting how it is the poorest families who suffer the greatest casualties within the length of the movie. Masterful storytelling. Authentic depiction of the current societal issues in each location... Watchers may be surprised by the depiction of youth in Japan, Yet this is so accurate a portrayal of a section of young society in Asia today. Brutally honest.… Expand

A great film; highly impactful with terrific performances by Pitt and the Japanese teenager. A very clever blending of disparate lives with a common thread that impacts all. Leaves one with a powerful after taste and tightening of the stomach - excellent.

Perhaps the most cosmically overrated film of the year.

Not Inarritu's best, but still great cinema with an intriguing, thought provoking story line. Great acting by the whole cast.

A great looking movie with a terrible script. Banal message, primitive co incentental hotel de Paris type of a drivel. Give this taleted dirctor a script, for God sake.

This movie was fabulous. It captured the connections of the world and how everything is related. This movie can represent how one can not be blamed for anything alone. The movie was intriguing moreso than being suspenseful.

The title of the movie it explains it well..The definition of babel is a scene of confusion and noise, which is based off the biblical definition. The movie wasn't bad but the music was horrible and the story of the asian girl is irrelevant and has hardly anything to do with the main story. It is worth watching if you have netflix or something. To the people who overly sensitive people complaining about the "graphic" parts of the movie you need to stick with Disney movies if you don't like it. They are simply showing real things that happen in this world, it is rated R for a reason and even explains the graphic natures of the movie before you watch it. Overall the movie was good, it just could use some touches to make it better.… Expand

Magnificent, emotionally charged exploration of the lines that divide us. Terrific acting, gripping plot. Ignore the loser trolls who abuse this review site; Do yourself a favor and watch this film.

I was thinking about the possible things I could colour my life with after seeing this ..yeah what exactly was it, sure it wasn't a movie. So don't masturbate behind rocks or your brother will euhm..miss. Don't spy on your sister or your father will do the clap-dance. Never travel or your kids may die in the desert. If you're in a desert, then don't leave any kids behind, sure I'll remember that one. Never leave the bus area if your wife is about to die by bleeding to death or they will continue their journey without you...yep, gotcha. And the most important one: don't you ever ever dare to decline a deaf-mute naked lady or she might jump of the balcony. My god, I'm pretty sure that Alejandro Gonzales still sucks his thumb way too long when he falls asleep.… Expand

This review contains spoilers. I really didn't get this film. I mean, the only good part about it was the American POV (Pitt and Blanchett) and the plot seemed really confusing even though it's told in different perspectives. One of the most confusing but weirdest films of all time.… Collapse

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, but am not exactly sure what I liked about it. It's somewhat depressing and certainly isn't action-packed. Definitely worth watching.

Great movie .

It tries to do so much, but this nonlinear mess of a film has nothing to offer but some short snippets of great acting. It is original, but not all original ideas are good ones.

This is one of the five worst films I have ever seen. Insanely boring and pointless. Dullness for the sake of dullness. Saying nothing as a pretentious "message." Spare me.