
21 Grams
2003 · Movie · R · 124 min · ★ 7.3 · 75% critics
Three lives—an ailing mathematician, a suburban mother, and a born-again ex-con—are drawn together by a terrible accident that leaves lasting emotional damage. Told through connected events, the story explores how tragedy can upend relationships and choices, changing each person’s future.
Also known as Twenty-One Grams
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Details
- Years
- 2003
- Release date
- 2003-09-06
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 124 min
- Critic score
- 75/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.3/10 (3,404 votes)
About
Choose this if you want a dark, emotionally intense drama with strong performances and a non-linear story structure; Not for you if heavy, grim themes overwhelm you or if you dislike timelines that can feel confusing, like Babel or Mystic River.
Pros: powerful emotions; standout performances; compelling drama | Cons: heavy subject matter; non-linear confusion; can be audio-challenging
Themes
- life and death
- rage and hate
- transplantation
- faith
- suicide attempt
- loss of loved one
- widow
- ex-detainee
- new mexico
- sadness
- car crash
- multiple storylines
Awards & recognition
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Actress · 2004 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actor · 2004 · nominated
- European Film Award — Best Non-European Film · 2003 · nominated
- BAFTA Award — Best Original Screenplay · nominated
Show all 8 awards →
- BAFTA Award — Best Actor in a Leading Role · nominated
- BAFTA Award — Best Actress in a Leading Role · nominated
- BAFTA Award — Best Editing · nominated
Cast & crew

Sean Penn
as Paul Rivers

Naomi Watts
as Cristina Peck

Benicio del Toro
as Jack Jordan

Charlotte Gainsbourg
as Mary Rivers

Danny Huston
as Michael Peck

Melissa Leo
as Marianne Jordan

Clea DuVall
as Claudia

Carly Nahon
as Cathy

Claire Pakis
as Laura
- NN
Nick Nichols
as Boy
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu