Carmen & Lola

A brilliant account of the love story between two young women overcoming obstacles that may be stronger in this particular culture, but are certainly not exclusive to it. Those who accuse the film of racism and stereotypical visions should listen to the stories of non-gypsy young lesbians who have also heard their mothers cry and beg them to say it's not true. Excellently performed by all its non-professional gypsy actors, the film is definitely worth seeing.

A brilliant account of love between two young women overcoming obstacles that may be stronger in this particular culture, but are certainly not exclusive to it. Those who accuse the film of racism and stereotypical visions should listen to the stories of non-gypsy young lesbians who have also heard their mothers cry and beg them to say it's not true. Moving, disturbing, and excellently performed by all its non-professional gypsy actors. Definitely worth watching.

Two women fall in love within a culture/community that condemns lesbians. Said community is moreover itself discriminated as a whole: gitanos (gypsies) in Spain.

Found the execution of such thorny abstract not only realistic, also truly poetic. Specially the very last scenes, to the very last millisecond of footage. Both visually, and also sound-wise. Measured, exquisitely beautiful, flooring.

Some emotional reactions and storms, as well as very spontaneous, joyful moments, feel almost like parts of a documentary. They ended up captured quite naturally, non-pretentiously. Surprised to learn afterwards that the actors (at least some?) were non-professionals. Many other movies with professional actors do not approach the level this one does. Imho it gives you that sense of having just witnessed a true work of art.

Exposing conservatism in cultures and communities with the example of the Gypsy community in Spain, repression due to religious fanatism and addressing social problems with hints of sexism and racism. Occasionally over-dramatized in terms of directing and acting, and somewhat stale in terms of screenwriting. Nevertheless, the film gives a very relevant and necessary perspective on regressive communities.

The Spanish film Carmen y Lola was shown in the U.S. with the translated title Carmen & Lola (2018). The movie was written and directed by Arantxa Echevarría.

The film stars Zaira Romero as Lola, a young Roma woman. (We use the word "Roma," but apparently in Spain they still use Gitana or Gypsy. The Roma in Spain use a word for non-Roma that the subtitles call "Whiteys.") Rosy Rodríguez portrays Carmen, another young Roma woman.

Carmen is settled within the Roma community, willing to play out the traditional lifestyle of daughter, wife, mother. Lola doesn't want to break from the community, but she wants to be a teacher, which is unsettling to her parents.

Lola knows that she's a lesbian. Carmen doesn't know that she even might have lesbian tendencies until she meets Lola. The plots starts at that point.

Both Romero and Rodriguez are excellent actors, and they are both confident and comfortable in the roles they play. It's a pleasure to watch them act. The supporting cast is excellent as well.

We saw this film at The Little Theatre, as part of Rochester's wonderful ImageOut LGBT Festival. Carmen & Lola has a pretty good rating of 7.1. I think it's better than that, and I recommend it.