by Charles Kirkland Jr.
A beautiful and dramatic tale of family, war, and revenge featuring Salma Hayek and Demian Bichir and
directed by Angelina Jolie is called Without Blood.
In a frontier landscape at the beginning of the 20th century, gunmen descend on a remote farmhouse,
determined to exact revenge for war crimes committed by a doctor. The remorseful doctor is found in
his home with his son. His daughter is nowhere to be found. Hidden away in the home, she witnesses a
barrage of bullets.
Many years later, Nina engages Tito, a lottery seller, in what seems like a casual conversation at his kiosk.
Soon Tito realizes that this encounter is anything but chance. As their conversation continues, a
remorseful Tito understands that his actions have had dire consequences.
Written by Angelina Jolie and Alessandro Baricco based upon Baricco’s book of the same name, Without
Blood stars Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir with Juan Minujin. The film is directed by Angelina Jolie.
Jolie filmed the movie at the famed Cinecittà studios in Rome, Italy. Over 3,000 films have been made at
Cinecittà studios. Ninety of them were nominated for Academy Awards. Forty-seven of those
nominated have won. Cinema greats like Federico Fellini, Francis Ford Coppola, Sergio Leone and Martin
Scorsese has used the studio. Without Blood is a gorgeous reflection of the beauty and legacy that the
city and the studio hold.
Maybe the film is so gorgeous because it focuses on Hayek and Bichir for most of the film. Jolie smartly
holds the duo tightly within the frame of the screen for the majority of the movie. She lights them
warmly and well and lovingly highlights the tortured beauty of their characters.
Jolie’s screenplay, which follows closely to Baricco’s narrative, is exquisitely executed. The interplay
between Hayek and Bichir has the rhythm of great intercourse, rising and falling with intention and
expectation. Rutger Hoedemaekers’ score perfectly enhances the tension between the two characters
and brings their stories to life.
Without Blood is a visual experience that explores the complexities of life, the remnants of war, and the
exacting nature of revenge. It is a fine tapestry woven together with great direction, great acting, perfect
dialogue, and excellent music.
Grade: B+