Maldeamores

What we have here is a revelation. A dark little comedy from the island nation of Puerto Rico. 'Maldeamores' (or Lovesickness,as it's being called in the U.S.). Maldeamores is a smart little comedy with a dark centre to it. The film is directed by Carlitos Ruiz,and has Benicio Del Toro as it's executive producer (a good sign),and has a cast of familiars from the island (some of which are veterans). It concerns love, and it's effect on those who fall under it's spell. It reminded me a lot of the earthy comedy's from Italy (especially the ones from Lina Wertmuller). A bit of a search may be in order to see this film, as it's being distributed by a rather small U.S. distributor.

Don't spend your money or your time on this pitiful piece of film in the guise of cinematography.When every third word is devoted to foul language and there is no real plot as well as having a cast of old actors who are still giving the same dated performances from the past and have not evolved in their careers, leaves a lot to be said. I was expecting something better from award winning actor Benicio del Toro. The vision that others may have of Puertorricans will be irreversibly distorted by such trash as Maldeamores. A foul word at a given moment in a film may be used to emphasize a given point of view and may even be funny or sad depending on its context (see the movie Elsa and Fred for example) but it should not permeate the plot. The movie is a total embarrassment and there was absolutely nothing funny or even cute about this film.

This film is a good example of how through media manipulation you can sell a film that is no more than a very unfunny TV sitcom. In Puerto Rico the daily newspaper with the widest circulation has continuously written about the marvels of this film, almost silencing all others. Coincidentally the newspaper with the second largest circulation belongs to the same owners. The weekly CLARIDAD is the only newspaper on the island that has analyzed the film's form and content, and pointed out all its flaws, clichés, and bad writing.

Just because a film makes a portion of the audience laugh with easy and obvious jokes, and because one can recognize actors and scenery, does not make it an acceptable film.

First I will like to address the gentlemen that wrote a comment about the film being shown in Puerto Rico without English subtitles. I just came back from the theater and the film DOES have the subtitles in English. So, instead of involving politics on this site inform yourself.

Now, about the film. The film is divided in three different situations, each involving the sweet and sour feeling that is called love. The cast did a great job in their acting, the characters were believable and the situations reflect different aspects of everyday life.

Maldeamores may well be the start of a new line of high quality Puertorican films that will bring a renaissance to that industry in the island.

Synopsis: The movie is settled in different areas of Puerto Rico, and shows the pain/humor/sensitivity/obsession of love relationships. I recommend this movie to any person that appreciates the everyday portrayal of life situations.

What I liked: I personally highly valued the quality of the acting and filmography.

What I did disliked: Nothing

Comparations: Compared to other movies from Puerto Rico, this one seems to be the best in terms of production quality, the music of the film was excellent.