Yo soy la Juani

I like the accuracy of this film, the plot is not completely fresh or inventive but the portrayal of life in 2006 as a Spanish youth is. Some films transcend time, sometimes time transcends a film. "Yo Soy La Juani" reminds me of "Valley of the Dolls," I have no idea what it was like to be alive in 1968 but after "Valley of the Dolls" I was able to peer at life then through the voice of the film and the fashion/aesthetics of the set. Though the rawness and honesty in this film are not very shocking in 2010, this film is reminiscent of the 1995 film "Kids." You get to see what young kids do and the issues they are forced to deal with. If you're looking for a life changing experience this movie is not for you, however, if you want a glimpse into what it's like to be in your early twenties in this part of the world, this movie is great.

'Yo Soy La Juani' presents a pretty common story about two working-class girls from a Spanish provincial town, trying to make their careers in Spain's capital Madrid. The story realistically focuses on the temptations & difficulties a big city has to offer, all newly experienced by these girls.

In the end we also get a moral message: make clear choices in life and persevere by them.

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The visuals truly make this film's strength. Its uncomplicated, direct shooting fully connects with the girl's lifestyle. All their joys, excitements, shocks, disappointments, annoyances, boredom and hardships are smoothly transferred to you. All set in a Spanish adolescent-scene of our times. It allows you to identify completely.

Previously I'd only seen a couple of Bigas Luna's movies. His "Yo soy la Juani" ("My Name Is Juani" in English) was his second-to-last movie, focusing on a girl and her friend who leave their dismal existence and loser boyfriends in a small town and head to the big city to find their fortune. This is one movie that truly evokes its era, with a pulse-pounding soundtrack and a couple of fast montages. No shortage of sex, either.

I wouldn't call this Bigas's best movie that I've seen; I thought "Jamón jamón" and "Golden Balls" were more profound in dealing with gender issues in Spain. Even so, it's a brisk look at Spain's youth in the aughts and gives one a sense of the culture. So far, every Bigas movie that I've seen has been worth checking out.

PS: Bigas Luna's full name is José Bigas Luna, so he should get listed under Bigas per the Spanish naming system.

It seems that the writers of the previous comments are missing the point. This is a European movie: it means that you should not expect action karate , no chemical attack on the white house and no drug dealers shooting helicopters with smuggled missiles from Kazakhstan.

This movie is all about feelings. Since the very first minute you are plunged in the world of Juani, a young and determined Spanish adolescent from the suburbs of a southern city in Spain, looking for a better future. The story shows the reality of youths expectations and disillusions.

The powerful soundtrack, mixing Hispanic hip-hop with traditional flamenco songs, will transport you in the world of "La Juani".

Enjoy

I agree with some of the comments here: the narrative structure doesn't develop La Juani's character completely, there is not a character arch, Juani doesn't change that much, the movie ends too soon, the plot line is not great, there are no really big events on Juani's life,... but I think all this light plotting was done on purpose, to grasp Juanis reality better. In one's real life there are not that many events.

Anyway, the acting is amazing, and la Juani is alive, full of truth and emotion... the movie has impressed me a lot.

It's been a long time without finding myself moved by a movie. But with all it's mistakes La Juani has done it. You can tell how some people's life really is, for example, all those young Hispanic girls coming from Southamerica to leave in Spain working in houses taking care of kids. It could have been better in some aspects... but still its good.