Biutiful
Performance & Direction: Biutiful Review
Last updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Biutiful (2010) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Biutiful features a noteworthy lineup led by Javier Bardem . Supported by the likes of Maricel Álvarez and Hanaa Bouchaib , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Biutiful
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2010, Biutiful is a Drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Javier Bardem.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. This is a story of a man in free fall. On the road to redemption, darkness lights his way. Connected with the afterlife, Uxbal is a tragic hero and father of two who's sensing the danger of death. He struggles with a tainted reality and a fate that works against him in order to forgive, for love, and forever. The screenplay takes time to develop Javier Bardem's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Javier Bardem's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Biutiful
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, Biutiful resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Javier Bardem, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Biutiful reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Biutiful?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Javier Bardem or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Biutiful
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $25.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: Biutiful
All Cast & Crew →





Where to Watch Biutiful Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
YouTubeBiutiful Parents Guide & Age Rating
2010 AdvisoryWondering about Biutiful age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Biutiful is 148 minutes (2h 28m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Biutiful is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2010 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Biutiful worth watching?
Biutiful is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Biutiful parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Biutiful identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Biutiful?
The total duration of Biutiful is 148 minutes, which is approximately 2h 28m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Biutiful
How Biutiful Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Biutiful
**Essay on the brevity of life.** What would you do if you knew that you have a few months to live and a life full of problems and unresolved issues? That's what happened to the central character of this film, a production made halfway between Spain and Mexico, skillfully directed by Alejandro González Iñarritu. The film is set in Barcelona and the main character, Uxbal, is a dubious individual who has a close relationship with organized crime and is far from the likable type that we easily like. In addition to his illegal business, which goes relatively poorly due to various problems and setbacks, Uxbal has an alcoholic, bipolar wife from whom he is, in effect, estranged, and two beloved children who are the real joy he has in life. The film is interesting and tackles difficult, indigestible and complex topics. I can't say that it's the type of film I would recommend to a friend, because I think it's a film that lacks a certain disposition, on the part of the public, to be properly appreciated. It is not an easy film, nor does it seek to capture our sympathy, although it ends up doing so because of the way we see that man suffering. We see beyond what he does and says, we see that deep down he is not a bad man. Still, it's a depressing film and one that leaves us with a feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction at the end. With this film, Javier Bardem had a character and material tailored to what the actor knows and is capable of doing. It's no secret that Iñarritu wanted him to be the protagonist from the start, and Bardem rewarded him by giving him a dose of commitment, experience and professionalism that anyone who wants to see the film can see. The actor is excellent and does a truly impeccable, deep, emotional job here. The film also has good performances from other actors, such as Hanaa Bouchaib, Guillermo Estrella and Maricel Álvarez, but it is Bardem's overwhelming performance that delights us and sustains the entire film. Technically, what caught my attention the most was the excellence of the resources and sound effects and their dexterous and competent use. It is in the details that the best qualities are found, such as the absence of echo, the sound clarity, the good sound effects used or even situations like the sound of the heartbeats of two actors, when they embrace. In addition, the visual features, cinematography and editing also deserve praise.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.











