Bella

I first saw Bella in a theater when a local pro-life group which was responsible for coordinating the first 40 Days for Life vigils in our area invited us to come to a viewing. I found the story to be very believable, deeply moving, and one that I can see many youth and young adults being able to relate to on some level. I was encouraged by how well the film was done. Without being preachy or judgmental about the subject of abortion, the message that life is precious comes across loud and clear.
   
In an unexpected twist, we see someone experience the pain of killing a child who had no intention of taking another life. It’s in seeing the hurt he feels about what he has done truly by accident that the viewer is given a sense of how devastating the loss of a child can be.
     
This is a story of hope and redemption, family and friends, healing and renewal. Things aren’t perfect in any one character’s life. No one has it all figured out. What comes across is the deep love the main character shares with his family and extends to the woman who has unexpectedly become pregnant.
    
The beauty of adoption and the value of every life are evident in this film. The message of respecting the sanctity of human life is displayed through kind, gentle words and actions instead of graphic images, screaming protesters, or people condemning women facing an unplanned pregnancy.
    
Everyone could benefit from watching this movie. All of us need to be reminded of the love, compassion, and understanding we are called to have for one another—not just the members of our families—but those we encounter at work, at the grocery store, on the street, etc.
    
We can all benefit from stories of repentance, healing, mercy, and redemption. It’s important that we don’t give up or given in when faced with suffering. We never know how God plans to use the suffering we are going through today to benefit someone we love tomorrow.
   
You can purchase this DVD here.  I wrote this review of Bella for the Tiber River Blogger Review program.  Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.  I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.