*WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS*
Blessing Bell is a brilliant, subtle movie which is almost too brilliant and subtle for its own good. It tells the story of a man on a walk who, during the course of his walk, experiences many unprobable encounters, such as getting hit by a car, or winning the lottery, yet never says a word, and just keeps on walking - until he gets to a lake - and then he walks home.
Yet it is the meaning behind these actions, these events, which will leave the symbol- searcher pleased, and the entertainment seeker somewhat disappointed. Symbolically, there are two major themes: the first reverses the saying 'life goes on,' and applies it to our protagonist. Our protagonist goes on, and it is life itself that has a series of misadventures, in a human-like arc. However, in the morning, after having fallen into a literal depression, things are all right again, and the man returns home rejuvenated, having found what he was looking for, and as a man once more.
The second symbol is one of movement, of transportation. The man's shoes are worn yet comfortable, perfect for long walks. The policeman never walks, but always rides a bicycle, a mechanism of society. The single mom has fancy shoes, reflecting her insincerity and her desire for wealth. The man who commits suicide leaves his stiff, perfectly polished dress- shoes behind on the bridge, reflecting his own inability to relax, and to cope with casual life. And these are but a fraction of the movement-related symbols within the film.
Tone and mood wise, the film feels like a visual "My Dinner With André," simple, yet profound, although Blessing Bell adds more light humour and removes the Wally character. Due to this, some people might find the film too slow, as it by no means forces itself on you, but rather lets you take from it what you will.
Where the film really shines, however, is during its conclusion, and it is the finale which saves it from being something only film students might enjoy. The serious tone disappears, and is replaced with light, simple humour - the sort that arises when one is in a perfect, good- natured mood, and things can only go one's way. Yes, life is serious, and there is suffering, yet despite all that - or perhaps because of it - life is also perfectly imperfect.
I rate this film a reserved 9 out of 10, as although it is an excellent film, it is not necessarily an entertaining film. It is recommended primarily for those who sat through My Dinner With André, although those who are open minded and patient might enjoy it as well.
Blessing Bell is a brilliant, subtle movie which is almost too brilliant and subtle for its own good. It tells the story of a man on a walk who, during the course of his walk, experiences many unprobable encounters, such as getting hit by a car, or winning the lottery, yet never says a word, and just keeps on walking - until he gets to a lake - and then he walks home.
Yet it is the meaning behind these actions, these events, which will leave the symbol- searcher pleased, and the entertainment seeker somewhat disappointed. Symbolically, there are two major themes: the first reverses the saying 'life goes on,' and applies it to our protagonist. Our protagonist goes on, and it is life itself that has a series of misadventures, in a human-like arc. However, in the morning, after having fallen into a literal depression, things are all right again, and the man returns home rejuvenated, having found what he was looking for, and as a man once more.
The second symbol is one of movement, of transportation. The man's shoes are worn yet comfortable, perfect for long walks. The policeman never walks, but always rides a bicycle, a mechanism of society. The single mom has fancy shoes, reflecting her insincerity and her desire for wealth. The man who commits suicide leaves his stiff, perfectly polished dress- shoes behind on the bridge, reflecting his own inability to relax, and to cope with casual life. And these are but a fraction of the movement-related symbols within the film.
Tone and mood wise, the film feels like a visual "My Dinner With André," simple, yet profound, although Blessing Bell adds more light humour and removes the Wally character. Due to this, some people might find the film too slow, as it by no means forces itself on you, but rather lets you take from it what you will.
Where the film really shines, however, is during its conclusion, and it is the finale which saves it from being something only film students might enjoy. The serious tone disappears, and is replaced with light, simple humour - the sort that arises when one is in a perfect, good- natured mood, and things can only go one's way. Yes, life is serious, and there is suffering, yet despite all that - or perhaps because of it - life is also perfectly imperfect.
I rate this film a reserved 9 out of 10, as although it is an excellent film, it is not necessarily an entertaining film. It is recommended primarily for those who sat through My Dinner With André, although those who are open minded and patient might enjoy it as well.