Nine Lives (2005)

Director:

Rodrigo García

Writer (WGA):

Rodrigo García (written by)

Release Date:

2 September 2005 (Italy)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Every life has a story. And every story has a life of its own.

Plot:

Captives of the very relationships that define and sustain them, nine women resiliently meet the travails and disappointments of life. |

Plot Keywords:

Understanding | Mother Daughter Relationship | Intimacy | Motel | Daughter

Awards:

9 wins & 10 nominations

Cast

Elpidia Carrillo	...	Sandra
Aomawa Baker	...	Female Guard
Miguel Sandoval	...	Deputy Sheriff Ron
Mary Pat Dowhy	...	Nicole
Andy Umberger	...	Second Male Guard
K Callan	...	Marisa
Chelsea Rendon	...	Sandra's Daughter
Robin Wright Penn	...	Diana
Jason Isaacs	...	Damian
Sydney Tamiia Poitier	...	Vanessa
Lisa Gay Hamilton	...	Holly
Holly Hunter	...	Sonia
Stephen Dillane	...	Martin
Daniel Edward Mora	...	Receptionist
Molly Parker	...	Lisa

MPAA:

Rated R for language, brief sexual content and some disturbing images.

Runtime:

USA:115 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | American Sign Language

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

USA:R | South Korea:15 | Singapore:NC-16 | Australia:MA | Finland:K-11

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Mockingbird Pictures

Trivia:

Every permanent member of the crew owns a piece of the film.

Quotes:

Marisa: Who are you?
Sandra: Sandra.
Marisa: My daughter's name is Sandra. How old are you?
Sandra: Thirty-seven, mom.
Marisa: She's younger.

Movie Connections:

Featured in 2006 Independent Spirit Awards (2006) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Freedom

Snapshots that develop into a rewarding picture

Another great movie by Rodrigo García in the same style as "Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her (2000)." Garcia shows his literary roots by making the cinematic equivalent of books of collected short stories. Collections of shorts have been done before but I don't remember it ever being done this effectively.

As a viewer, you have to live with lots of unresolved issues since +- 15 minutes provides only a snapshot of these women's lives. But Garcia rewards the thoughtful viewer as themes emerge from the collection of sketches.

Like in "Things You Can Tell..." the acting if first-class and scenarios authentic.

The cast alone makes this movie worthwhile. How does Garcia get such terrific talent? I suspect that his short story format allows actresses/ors to fit in a quick Garcia movie between their big paycheck films, allowing them to up their credibility with an art-house flick. But these aren't throw-away roles... they really give it their best! Of course, you're going to like some segments better than others. I found it odd that Garcia LED with what I felt was one of the weaker segments (The LA Jail). He ends with one of the best (Dakota Flanning and Glenn Close). My favorite was Robin Wright Penn and Jason Isaacs in the grocery store. It touched me very deeply.

The final story (Flanning and Close) is one of the sweetest and lightest which bring up my biggest criticism of the film... Garcia could lighten up a little. A little more humor and a little more playfulness could really help his next film... and I hope he does make another in this same style.

My other criticism is of the cinematography which I don't find appealing... it tends to be overexposed and needlessly bleak at times. Admittedly, it does accurately convey both the emotions of the women and the feel of Southern California but I think it is overused. (Possibly he is trying to make the best of low budgets.) In summary.. this film is DEFINITELY worth watching as long as you are willing to accept it for what it is... a collection of snapshots rather than the more developed characters and story that traditional movies provide. If you are renting, I suggest that you also pick up a copy of "Things you can tell..." and have a mini Garcia film festival.