"The Air I Breathe" (2008) / review and/or viewer comments

The Air I Breathe

MPAA Rating:

for violence, language and some sexual content/nudity

Reviewed by: Maggie Hays
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating:

Extremely Offensive

E-mail this page to a friend

Moviemaking Quality:

Primary Audience:

Adults

Genre:

Crime, Romance, Drama

Length:

1 hr. 37 min.

Year of Release:

2008

USA Release:

January 25, 2008

Relevant Issues

How do I know what is right from wrong? Answer

How can I decide whether a particular activity—such as smoking, gambling, etc. - is wrong? Answer

Why are humans supposed to wear clothes? Answer

How can I deal with temptations? Answer

Should I save sex for marriage? Answer

What are the consequences of sexual immorality? Answer

Fornication

Learn how to make your love the best it can be. Christian answers to questions about sex, marriage, sexual addictions, and more. Valuable resources for Christian couples, singles and pastors.

Featuring:	Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kevin Bacon, Brendan Fraser, Forest Whitaker, Andy Garcia, Emile Hirsch, Julie Delpy, Jon Bernthal, John Cho, Andrew Deichman, [more] Daniel Delevin, Jason Dolley, Josh Flaum, Diana Garcia, Clark Gregg, Sherry Ham-Bernard, Kelly Hu, Jake Koenig, William Maier, Taylor Nichols, Evan Parke, Sasha Pieterse, Victor Rivers, Caryn Ruby, Rodrigo Santacruz, Todd Stashwick, Cecilia Suárez, Alex Terminel, Salvador Zerboni
Director:	Jieho Lee
Producer:	Paul F. Bernard, Darlene Caamano, Emilio Diez Barroso, Tai Duncan, Bill Johnson, Jose Ludlow, Vance Owen, Dave Pearce, Christopher S. Pratt, Paul Schiff, Jim Seibel
Distributor:	THINKFilm

“Sometimes the things we can’t change… end up changing us.”

Producer’s Synopsis: “A businessman bets his life on a horse race, a gangster sees the future, a pop star falls prey to a crime boss, and a doctor must save the love of his life. Based on an ancient Chinese proverb, these four overlapping stories dramatize the four emotional cornerstones of life: happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love.”

I cannot recommend this movie. It offends on so many levels that a devout Christian will greatly disapprove. The language is horrible and frequently foul, I lost track of how many 'F' words were flung at me. There is frequent nudity, and many sexual references and displays. The violence is brutal. One of the main characters is named 'Fingers' because he cuts off the fingers of those who owe him money. He is an underworld kingpin who shows no mercy.

The film is loaded with big name Hollywood players who seem to have no conscience about appearing in such a dispicable story of sex, lust, obscenities, and murder.

There really isn't alot to say about this movie, why go on and on about technical 'stuff'. Take the 'R' rating seriously—though I'm sure it should be rated 'X'. LOTS of foul language, nudity, sordid scenes, and brutal beatings. Don't expect to feel good after viewing it. I urge you to avoid this movie.

Violence: Extreme / Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

Movie Critics

“…A perfectly awful example of a certain breed of American indie film that brings together a lot of familiar faces for an ensemble drama about...nothing.…”
—Geoff Berkshire, Chicago Tribune

“‘The Air I Breathe’ is an ingenious contraption that holds your attention for as long as it whirs and clicks like a mechanized Rubik’s Cube. After it’s over, however, you may find yourself scratching your head and wondering if there was any purpose to this sleek little gizmo.…”
—Stephen Holden, The New York Times

“…This allegory is just hot air with a few laughs.…”
—Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times

“…a disappointment…”
—Rex Roberts, Film Journal International

“…lacks an overarching vision…”
—Claudia Puig, USA TODAY

Sorry, no other viewer comments received yet. If you have seen this movie and would like to share your observations and insights with others to be posted here, please contact us!