Reaffirming life

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The new film "Bella" opens with a familiar line: "My grandmother used to say, 'If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.' "

That folk wisdom gets a very modern retelling in Mexico-born Alejandro Gomez Monteverde's debut, a charming film which won the audience award at last year's Toronto Film Festival.

Circumstances taught Jose (Eduardo Verastegui) the truth of that saying, and he spends the film trying to communicate it to Nina (Tammy Blanchard).

Jose was a big soccer star who, a number of years ago, seemed poised to become even bigger. But we sense that some tragedy led him instead to where he is today: working as the head chef in his brother Manny's (Manny Perez) Mexican restaurant in Manhattan, his handsome features now all but hidden by a big beard.

Manny runs a tight ship, and when waitress Nina shows up late for the third time, he fires her. She doesn't get a chance to tell him that she was late because she simply had to wait to get the test that told her she's pregnant.

The more sensitive Jose chases Nina down, however, and finds out just that. He impulsively leaves his post and spends the rest of the day with her. They wander through Manhattan, having typical "New York moments," eventually heading to Long Island to meet Jose's parents.

Nina realizes there's much more to life than what she's experienced, and Jose realizes he very much wants Nina to keep the baby she's planning to abort.

"Bella" may have the general plot of an afterschool special, but the film never feels like one. There are a few unbelievable moments — Jose's punishment for the tragedy that cost him his soccer stardom seems rather excessive, and the characters have the same haircuts five years on — but none of them interfere with the film's ultimate message.

That message is sent subtly: This isn't a "pro-life" film in the abortion-battle sense, but a pro-life one in the human-drama sense. From the blind man who offers Nina a gift if she'll describe the beautiful New York day to the traditional dinner prepared by Jose's immigrant parents, "Bella" is filled with sweet little moments that will make anyone but the most hardened cynic smile.

You'd be hard-pressed to find two more beautiful people to put in these roles. Mr. Verastegui is a Mexican pop and soap star who's best known in this country as the star of "Chasing Papi." Hidden behind all that facial hair, the only looks he has left to rely on are his piercing pale blue eyes. He uses them to great effect and also shows he has much more range than his resume would indicate.

Miss Blanchard had a small role in last year's "The Good Shepherd," but "Bella" should bring her better things. She's a stunner, as those who saw her as the young Judy Garland in "Life With Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows" know. And she also has the talent to take a cliche — the girl who wants to abort because she doesn't want to lose her "freedom" and "can't even take care of" herself — and make it a living, breathing human being."

***

TITLE: "Bella"

RATING: PG-13 (thematic elements and brief disturbing images)

CREDITS: Directed by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde. Written by Mr. Monteverde, Patrick Million and Leo Severino.

RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes

MAXIMUM RATING: FOUR STARS .