Camila

"Camila" is a love story set in Colonial Argentina. Camila is a young woman hungry for change and knowledge of the unknown. She meets Ladislao, a young priest whom with she immediately falls in love with. The two decide to escape in order to fulfill their desire for each other. They settle in a remote village but still must face the consequences of their decision. Directed by Maria Luisa Bemberg, "Camila" tells the story of a passionate woman who will fight for what she desires and is willing to sacrifice everything for it. The film is true to the times in which it is based and true to the characters it is based on. Rosas, the dictator at the time, is portrayed in a way that is also true to history. The director Bemberg is also a passionate woman and filmmaker who struggled with censorship in the making of this film, but prevailed. Although it is based on real people, some of the characters are shaped in order to benefit the ideals of the director, but a good film nonetheless. I also recommend "I, the Worst of All" by the same director.

This melodrama directed by Maria Luisa Bemberg is a story of a passionate woman who wants nothing more than to pursue her desire for love and life. The movie shows the audience the importance of the church and social classes and enables us to view the attitudes and emotions of people living during the dictatorship of Juan Manuel de Rosas. However, it is evident that Bemberg has a slight bias in that the movie is seen through the eyes of Camila O'Gorman. This film is a wonderful example of how the movies intend to manipulate the viewer, allowing Camila to have all the rights and giving none to Rosas is rather biased. The film strongly emphasizes the dictatorship of Rosas and the viewer is given the opportunity to see the profundity and power of this dictator.

"Camila" is a love story that is based on true events. It is a unique movie in that it draws the audience to it with the promise of passion, but it keeps the audience intrigued with its historical representation of Rosas' Argentina. The forbidden love affair between Camila, the daughter of a wealthy land owner, and Ladislao, a young priest, is defeated by the intensity of Argentina's patriarchal society. Maria Luisa Bemberg's presentation of the power of Rosas' regime is historically accurate, as is her depiction of the passion and independence of Camila.

This film is about a doomed relationship between the daughter of a rich fascist-type landowner in Argentina about 1830 or so (after the successful revolution against the Spanish). The new government, it seems, feels that the end justifies the means and repression is used to keep control of the fledgling nation.

Camila finds that she is not attracted to the macho rich suitors but instead finds herself drawn to the new Jesuit priest. Despite common sense and many obstacles, they run off together. What I found most interesting in the movie was the character of her father, who was instrumental in tracking them down and exacting punishment.

In many ways, the plot reminded me of The Thorn Bird mini-series combined with a fascist-like backdrop. A pretty good film overall. Be aware, however, of the nudity. It's NOT as much as you might expect in such a film but considering he's a priest, it's bound to offend some.

I would recommend this movie for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, it gives a clear impression of what life was like in Argentina at this time. The power that the government, Rosas, had over the people is mind boggling. The fact that a father could be brainwashed enough to choose the government over the life of his own daughter is sickening! This just illustrates the power and backwardness of Rosas' dictatorship. I also enjoyed this movie for the romantic aspect of the story. It kept you in suspense, while you routed for the couple's escape to happiness. The moving ending of the film leaves you with much to think about.