Thank goodness for laptops with DVD players. This movie review comes from the bedroom where I have the comfort of air conditioning. Beats the heat in the rest of my “rooftop” apartment, I honestly think that it is hotter in my apartment than it is outside right now. (that is except for the bedroom)
the air i breathe
The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live.
A drama based on an ancient Chinese proverb that breaks life down into four emotional cornerstones: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love.
What drew me to this film was the cast, Forest Whitaker, Andy Garcia, Kevin Bacon, Julie Delpy, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Brendan Fraiser and Emile Hirsch. My first thought was whoa, that is a lot of big names in one film. Then when I read the description I knew I had to rent it.
“the air i breathe” is broken down into four stories whose characters intertwine. Without actually comparing “the air i breathe”, this film is in the same vein as “Shortcuts”, “Magnolia” or “Crash”. Now that I am at a computer I see the movie got mediocre to horrible reviews by the “professional critics”, but I would recommend it regardless, many – many regular folks like you and me appear to have appreciated and enjoyed this film (see IMDB reviews). It is very well acted, the cinematography is beautiful, and the soundtrack doesn’t suck. I also believe it to be a film that either gender would appreciate equally.
Each of the main characters is struggling with one of these emotions…..Happiness, Pleasure, Sorrow, Love. I particularly liked the fact that the characters were listed under their “emotion” in the credits and not by their character name (we never did learn their names), very nice touch.
I really don’t want to say much more about this film because getting into the plot will give too much away. I will admit that this film may not be for everyone, but I give it Four Tissues, even though I did not cry, “the air i breathe” was certainly worth the $4 I slapped down at the rental store. (go for it, it is worth the risk)
Sometimes the things we can’t change…end up changing us.
Please note that the rental cover is different than the theatrical release.
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