Biutiful is a subtle drama with Javier Bardem in an awardwinning leading role. Director Iñárritu has already become one of todays most important filmmakers, with titles like Amores Perros and Babel. Bardem delivers a remarkable performance as the cancer patient Uxbal, guaranteed to move audiences to great emotions. An orphan from early childhood, he earns extra cash by visiting funeral homes and communicating with the recent dead. Iñárritus´ fourth film dwells on universal topics - life, death and love. It is a devastating film that still manages to be oddly life-affirming. red