Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, “Biutiful” is a story about life, love, and struggle. The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film, in addition to actor Javier Barem’s nomination for Best Actor.

Bardem plays Uxbal, a good-natured man dying of cancer that resorts to illegal activity to provide for his family. Uxbal lives with his two children in a run-down part of Barcelona and you get a sense early on this is a man who will go to extreme lengths to support his children at any cost.

Uxbal is in free fall. He has a struggling relationship with his bi-polar wife and they have scenes of extreme frustration when it comes to communication and co-existing with one another.

Uxbal has a complicated relationship with his wife, and their struggle and frustration is depicted onscreen.

To make matters worse, Uxbal is in cahoots with his boss at work, and his drug dealing associates. He is surrounded by so much noise and clamor that the audience may forget this is a man who is dying.

Bardem is the glue that holds the film together. He was recently nominated for his performance. The actor shows a range and screen presence unmatched in recent years. Although this movie is very challenging and difficult at times, it is a must see for Bardem’s performance alone.