Filipe Gill

A great movie is one that, somehow, changes your life. And American Beauty did that for me. The Lester and Ricky characters still live with me 20 years later. The plastic bag scene is remarkable in it's simplicity and the lines and movement from the hand held camera makes it unique: the power of beauty seen through Ricky's eyes goes full circle on the last scene of the movie. The humanity of the story shows us there are no bad people; Lester is pathetic, and yet, an incredible relatable hero. The best kind. Final note for the music: it makes it into an outstanding piece of relevant and engaging culture. The only thing I don't like about it is the title. "American" Limits it's scope and reach; Beauty it is, but universal, spaceless and timeless.