The story is set in a universe where Heaven is nearly bankrupt and struggling to find new "recruits," while Hell is overrun and facing internal management crises. The fate of these two "corporations" hinges on the soul of (played by Demián Bichir), a washed-up, debt-ridden boxer with a life-threatening brain injury.

Heaven is depicted as a monochrome, French-speaking nightclub run by the elegant Marina (Fanny Ardant). Hell is a gritty, English-speaking environment managed by the ambitious Davenport (Gael García Bernal). The Protagonists: Lola vs. Carmen

Two supernatural agents are sent to Earth to "guide" Manny, each assuming a false identity to stay close to him:

See how the film's unique depiction of the afterlife and its star-studded cast were received by critics in this overview: Michael Jackson - You Rock My World (Official Video) michaeljacksonVEVO YouTube• 3 Oct 2009 No News from God (2001) - IMDb

If Heaven saves Manny, it might survive; if Hell claims him, it could win the eternal war.

The film culminates in a stylized shootout as the various earthly and supernatural conflicts collide. In a final twist, it is revealed that Manny's fate was part of a larger plan; after the dust settles, Carmen returns to the afterlife and is transformed back into her original male form—portrayed in a cameo by .

A waitress from Hell who was a man in her previous life. She poses as Manny’s long-lost cousin, tempting him back into the dangerous boxing ring to secure his downfall. The Conflict and Twist