Os Amantes

"Amantes" is a beautifully shot film with 3 gorgeous stars in the lead roles.

The central triangle is reminiscent of another fine film, 1951's "A Place in the Sun," which was also based on a true story.

The final scene, with Paco searching for Louisa at the train station, is particuarly striking. It will stick in my memory for a long time.

A love triangle.

A strong, courageous young girl who works hard as a maid and loves a young soldier. She saves all what she earns to marry him and get started in life. She is innocent with strong morals yet not stupid. She is a typical figure of SPain 50 years ago.

A young soldier. A weak character. Lazy, no clear morals. He is looking for good deals in life. He is influencable and selfish. His relationship with other minor characters (the commanding officer) suggests that he is a coward.

A mature woman who takes part in shady deals as a way of life. She has known many men before. She is lonely and looking for sexual experiences.

The film is fairly sensual. The characters are plausible. The acting is good.

My vote: 8 / 10.

Pure country catholic virginal Spanish innocent girl meets hot sexy mature land lady who's after her boy. Of course it all ends in disaster because these guys are Spanish. This film is very moving for young Spanish girls because they recognize real life here. It says you can experience freedom through sex but you have to know what you're doing. Unfortunately Spanish mothers are very conservative and you're lucky if they tell you about the "curse". A nasty surprise for girls. In this film it may be tenfold, so Spanish mothers, get a grip and educate! If not, light a candle and pray because the world is changing even in Spain. Sex is healthy and normal. Punishment is weird! Isn't it? My girlfriend is Spanish and she knows what this film means.

Story of a young cadet who falls for a landlady that 1950's Spain gave him no preparation for. The attempt of his previously innocent fiance to win her man back from Abril's character are both erotic and heartbreaking, and the resolution is a devastator. The best film from Spain I've seen.

The actors make this movie in every way. These are not roles for lightweights and so the choice of Victoria Abril, for example, was classic. I've only ever seen in her Almodovar or French movies in which she plays the beautiful slut. I wasn't familiar with the other actors - the young soldier and his girlfriend - but they played their roles to perfection. The sex scenes are erotic enough to distract you from the plot. In a way, that mirrors what is happening to the young soldier. He is being distracted from what's important in his life when he becomes involved with the corrupt sexy Abril.

What a dark, wonderful movie!