Manual para señoritas

The creator and writers of the successful Netflix series, Cable Girls (2017-20) go back further in time for this exquisite Spanish production period piece set in 1880s Madrid, of a cheeky matchmaking chaperone, Elena (Nadia de Santiago made for the role) servicing aristocratic socialites. She manages to swindle her way into a grieving motherless family with the arduous task of attempting to find a suitor for 21-year-old, Cristina, and at the same time keep an eye out on the younger female sibblings who get up to mischieve. What eventuates is a ribald screwball poking fun at strict social norms of the time, with a modern sensability that is perfect entertainment for the romantic cynic at heart...

I was so excited to watch this show, especially knowing it stars Nadia de Santiago (who I loved in Cable Girls) and Álvaro Mel (from A Perfect Story).

The story reminded me a lot of Cable Girls in that it was definitely a period piece, but with fun modern twists and some hilarious music choices. The dialogue is fast-paced and really funny at times.

Visually, it's colorful and dreamy. It might not have the huge budget of Bridgerton, but I love the take on 1800s fashion, and some of the dresses were gorgeous.

I did wish for a little more spark between the leads, but Nadia de Santiago had great, natural chemistry with Carloto Cotta as the cute duke.

If you're a fan of Cable Girls, Bridgerton, or A Perfect Story, I would recommend checking this one out. It's fun, charming, and binge-worthy.

From the moment from opening, this is a unique staging that is carried out with brilliance. Fast paced dialogue and plot. That capture the viewer. This set and costume alone, are breathtaking. Let alone the architecture. Every shot is a visual feast. The actress who is the heroine is wonderful. This is a very unique Netflix entry.

There is a Sense of wit and comedy, that is bracing and a breath of fresh air. The idea of a woman's voice and power in a time when neither were valued is part of the fun there is a sense of comedy raced brace against The feeling of a game afoot. The pace is very enjoyable

I look forward to coming back to review the series when I have completed watching it so far the beginning is extremely promising.

The music choices do not always work for me especially the choice to put modern tunes with historical storytelling. But I admire the attempt.

If you enjoy period pieces like Bridgerton, this Spanish comedy set in Madrid during the late 1880's will entertain you. The lovely Elena starts right off by breaking the fourth wall, talking directly to you, giving her opinion of what to expect, and what not to expect from the love story that she is about to be a part of. If you read the basic plot summary of this series, you already know the gist of what it's already about, so I won't bore you.

This is why I enjoyed it: I loved the colors selected for the wardrobe. Ranging from vivid corrals contrasting with intense turquoise, and chartreuse. I'm sure that liberties were taken with what people actually wore during that period, but it creates a frivolous fantasy that is very opulent.

Flower arrangements are splashed in every decor and the outdoor landscapes and gardens are lush with blooms. Even the carriages can be colorful. Picture a sky blue coach drawn by a team of prancing chestnut horses. Sigh.

The sets are done in some Spanish mansions on location, and are lavishly decorated to the hilt.

The outdoor countryside parties are gorgeous, and the food and drinks cover every possible table setting.

These rich people love to eat and drink in excess, no matter where they are.

You never really see any downtrodden poor people, as in some other series.

There are not as many indoor balls as Bridgerton, but the ones that occur are filled with some well choreographed, modernized ballroom dancing accompanied by classical versions of modern day hits. Some of the soundtrack features memorable hits preformed by artists in the 70's and 80's.

Nothing is off-limits. It's humor is quick-witted, and there is a lot of back and forth sarcastic put downs between various romantic couples. It's light and spicy. The drama is never really tense, but there is just enough intrigue, hidden secrets, and plot twists to keep you interested. Flashbacks fill in critical plot holes going back hours or a few days, but happen in later episodes, to keep you guessing. Many times you will follow one plot, only to have Elena break out, and tell you that that's not what happened, and then proceeds to correct the plot. She constantly let's you know what she's thinking about. It can get a bit repetitious, but that's her charming self. I'm sure that Netflix is counting on a successful series rating, and already has season 2 in the works.

I was not sure what to expect when starting this short series. But it's a very quick watch with lovely acting, gorgeous costume design, and many very likeable characters. I really enjoyed the set designs, music choices, and casting choices that complemented the lighthearted storyline. Similar to a Brigerton vibe, but with much less scheming, backstabbing and royalty (lol), so therefore much more fun in my opinion. If you like regency era stories mixed with romantic comedies it should be a good choice for an immersive binge. Recommend this to watch for a quick pick me up. Escapism at its finest!