Before We Say Goodbye

2010
PG-13
1h 38m

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

107

YOUR RATING

Drama Family Romance

Before We Say Goodbye" deals with four generations of an Hispanic-American family living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from the crusty tequila-drinking great grandma to the rebellious all-Amer... Read allBefore We Say Goodbye" deals with four generations of an Hispanic-American family living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from the crusty tequila-drinking great grandma to the rebellious all-American teenager who prefers Taco Bell to the food at her parents' Mexican restaurant. Carlos... Read allBefore We Say Goodbye" deals with four generations of an Hispanic-American family living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from the crusty tequila-drinking great grandma to the rebellious all-American teenager who prefers Taco Bell to the food at her parents' Mexican restaurant. Carlos Garcia, beloved patriarch of his family, is dying. His adoring wife, Ramona, is in a stat... Read all

Director
- Paul Davids
Writers
- Patricia Crespin
- Paul Davids
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

107

YOUR RATING

Director
- Paul Davids
Writers
- Patricia Crespin
- Paul Davids
Stars

16User reviews

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The film title comes from the song, "Before We Say Goodbye," for which Rebekah Del Rio (famous for her role as a singer in a major David Lynch film) wrote the lyrics. She also sings it. The song is heard in the film early on in English, but at the haunting and powerful climax she sings it in Spanish. Rebekah's son Phillip DeMars was just 21 when he passed away in 2009, and Rebekah wrote the lyrics for Phillip and sang this song for him at his deathbed. The lyrics suggested a timeless bond between the two of them. When director Paul Davids heard the song, he felt it would be perfect for the title song of the film, which deals with themes of life and death, and whether what seems like a final "goodbye" is really farewell forever. Rebekah then contributed her song "Headed for Heaven Tonight" for the film, and she also sang "David's Song," which is the 23rd Psalm set to a melody created by Russell and Martin Metzger and which is heard against the opening credits.

Soundtracks
Before We Say Goodbye
Lyrics by Rebekah Del Rio
Performed by Rebekah Del Rio
Melody by Elizabeth A. Ortiz
Publisher: Baja Basement Music

User reviews16

Review

Featured review

8/10

A Miraculous Conception

Before We Say Goodbye is a modern portrayal of a Hispanic family coping with the realities of life and death. Although the scenario is based on a Hispanic viewpoint, any family can relate to one or more of the situations that take place throughout the film: from coping with the death of a loved one, to marriage and financial problems, to not agreeing with one's family values or religions, or just trying to be accepted as oneself amongst a family unit.

The story is told through Ramona, the steadfast mother, who continues to have faith that a miracle is possible to save Carlos (her dying husband) despite all odds. As we journey with her in her quest, we also experience what other members of the family are going through in their own lives and in their relation to Ramona and Carlos.

Although Ramona doesn't quite end up getting the miracle she expects, the story has an uplifting finale that leaves her (and us) with an undeniable affirmation of hope and empowering strength to go on. This is an emotionally moving film that reminds us we all have different problems and beliefs in life, but things usually work out just as they are meant to, which at times, in itself, can be a phenomenon perceived as a miracle.