El Cuerpo del Deseo

So this was telecasted in India on Firangi TV in Hindi, probably around 2010 or before. I was absolutely hooked to this show at that time. Supernatural settings made it intriguing. But I never finished it.

As with any Telenovela, the story is pretty wild, some of the characters are really wild and emotions run high. Very high. (This is a Telemundo production, after all.) And while some of the secondary characters are over the top, the main characters are well-played by talented actors. None more so than MARIO CIMARRO, who plays the title role ("Body of Desire"! And how!) I discovered Mario with this series, and quickly tried to get my hands on anything else in which he's appeared. Unfortunately, that means only "Rockaway" and "Romeo and Juliet" (his only American films to date), as well as another Telenovela he made prior to Cuerpo ("Pasion De Gavilenes", not nearly as good; not nearly as much Mario.) None of these showcase Mario the way Cuerpo does. Even though there are many characters in this series, it ultimately is a star vehicle for Mario. He is an extremely charismatic, thoughtful actor. Although very low-key, you can't take your eyes off him; a true star. I haven't come across such an electric personality in some time. The only other actor around today with as much appeal is the French actor, Louis Garrel. (No American actors can compare to these two.) Anyway, I strongly advise anyone looking for a wildly entertaining ride (not to mention one very hot leading man), to check this set out.

Good performance from the actors! Interesting theme! Just that's a shame that this soap opera contains many many ridiculous dramas! Hope the writers can do better thing next time!

Good performance from the actors! Interesting theme! Just that's a shame that this soap opera contains many many ridiculous dramas! Hope the writers can do better thing next time!

Good performance from the actors! Interesting theme! Just that's a shame that this soap opera contains many many ridiculous dramas! Hope the writers can do better thing next time!

Good performance from the actors! Interesting theme! Just that's a shame that this soap opera contains many many ridiculous dramas! Hope the writers can do better thing next time!

This is a truly masterful soap opera, the best I've ever seen from dozens in other languages. The plot is excellent, as is the script. The actors should've received awards for their performances. The whole production is incredible, including the locations, costumes, music, camera work and everything else. The director was masterful. There's a great mix of drama, tension, humor and my favorite, mystery. The unabridged version is the one to watch, because the cut version is lacking way too many very informative and interesting parts that add to the intrigue and drama. There's no comparison, this is the best, even with some unnecessary parts and a less-than-peachy ending.

What person over 50 or 60 hasn't fantasized about being young again with all his knowledge intact? EL CUERPO DEL DESEO is about that and more.

Just as LA MUJER EN EL ESPEJO explored issues of beauty, EL CUERPO DEL DESEO explores issues of age, wealth, and power. The wealthy but aged Pedro José Donoso marries a beautiful but greedy young woman who already has a lover on the side. He has dreams about a strong young man performing heavy farm work and every time he wakes from these dreams he feels even more intensely that he has experienced them. He dies suddenly in his study one night, and the young farmer also dies within hours. However, Pedro José's spirit refuses to give up and enters the young farmer's body as it is being carried to the cemetery. When he breaks out of the coffin and is brought to a medical facility no one can explain what happened… and he is more confused than the others. He freaks out the people around him by displaying knowledge and abilities the young farmer never had. He is greatly confused as to what has happened and why. He gradually learns that the reason for this strange phenomenon is to learn the truth about what has been going on under his nose and behind his back. He then has to make a decision about what to do about it all.

The studly Mario Cimarro of PASIÓN DE GAVILANES is more than worthy of this acting challenge as he explores what it is to be what to all intent and purposes is an impostor. The scene in which he strips in front of a mirror and sees his new handsome face and perfect body is priceless; he manages to convey the humor, the irony, and the apprehension all at once. We later see the dark side of his personality as he uncovers the deceptions and hypocrisies around him. The beautiful Lorena Rojas, who also sings the theme song, is flawless as the greedy "widow" Isabella, while Martin Karpan of TE VOY A ENSEÑAR A QUERER is increasingly sinister as her controlling lover.

I'm not going to try to predict where this is going, but the ride is exciting.