Do Que as Mulheres Riem?

The debut in the direction of Joaquín Oristrell was this film that at the time of its premiere was so praised by the usual ass-kissers of always as reviled in low voice by many people in the little Spanish movie world in word of mouth, which is not so strange if It is taken into account that through the production company of that name (Boca a Boca) Oristrell has been an essential figure in Spanish cinema at the turn of the century, not only because of his activity as a screenwriter, but also because of his power within the industry.

That said, after seeing this film, more than 20 years after its premiere, one comes to the conclusion that it was unfairly treated, because it is a summer comedy that is as fresh irreverent, wild, provocative and desperate. And as funny as it is intelligent despite its astracane surface and its somewhat disconnected appearance. And in which a lot of tender moments are not lacking, along with an inquiry into the female soul, love, sex, the couple, loneliness, family and, ultimately, life. It is not just a comedy to laugh at, it also allows you to think at times. Or feel. And all, in a light way and in a comedy tone, which is how certain things come best.

The work of the main trio formed by Forqué, Ozores and Peña shines at a great height, not to mention people like Angel de Andrés López (the sequence of breakfast with the three sisters is, for me, anthological) or Juanjo Menéndez, in a role very different from those he had always played in the cinema until then.

And it goes without saying that when this film is compared with the comedies that in the past, as in those of the "Landismo", they tried to approach these themes (sex, the couple, the woman) from a light tone, the differences, to the margin of artistic results, they are a happy confirmation of how much that had already changed at the end of the 20th century, and for the better, Spanish society compared to the preceding decades.

Because also, although it sounds pretentious to say it, the film has a lot to do with the Spanish soul. And it constitutes an excellent sociological testimony of those already distant "happy years" in which it was filmed.

This will be more of a commentary than a review of the film. Since the movie was released in 1997 and as of today (February 2009) it had only 80 rates on the IMDb ratings, I don't think it will be read by many, therefore, I will be brief. The film, to me, was a very pleasant romantic comedy that kept me entertained for the almost two hours of duration. I liked everyone in the excellent cast, and the female actors were all very attractive. I have seen many, Hollywood-romantic-comedies that couldn't compare with this one, but many give them a higher rating because they are Hollywood-made. I watched this film in its original language (Spanish). Perhaps it loses some of its charms with subtitles. I enjoyed the film tremendously and I guarantee you that if you rent it, you'll enjoy it and have a few laughs. It was funny, great actors and a super soundtrack. I am glad I saw it.

Acceptable comedy in ordinary Spanish style with plenty of humor , messes , twists and outlandish situations . Luci (Verónica Forqué) , Graci (Candela Peña) , Mari (Adriana Ozores) are three sisters that make a comedy trio , go to the wedding of their father (Juanjo Menéndez) with a woman who is forty years younger than him. During the feast Luci's husband (Jordi Bosch) dies in a car accident . Despite the tragedy , the trio have to fulfill their commitment acting during August in the touristic Benidorm . The widow discovers thanks to a notebook that her husband cheated on her , so she along with her sisters decide to flirt with everyone. As Luci falls in love for a Frenchman (François-Eric Gendron) , Graci for a delivery boy (Jorge Sanz) , while Mari goes on with her married lover (Angel de Andrés López) .

Slight comedy that begins with good style but, unfortunately, gradually deflates as time goes by . It is a crazy Spanish comedy that offers no intellectual stimulus whatsoever , and humor is sometimes cheesy and gross-out with numerous naughty and picaresque situations such as sex jokes , adulteries , jealousy , profanity , and erotic scenes with some strong love scenes. The plot is almost ridiculous and embarrassment but has its likable moments here and there . This agreeable film packs amusement , comical situations , tongue-in-cheek , resulting to be a silly comedy including conventional pitfalls and many other things . Sitting in a strange middle ground between the completely absurd and the stylishly cool . If it reaches approval, it is because of the good work of those three actresses who carry almost the entire film behind their backs . Packed with scenes of absurd nature , this story is an enjoyable farce, as we follow the nutty exploits of a trio of feisty and offbeat sisters . The picture could have been a very splendid comedy, but in the end it remains a dry comedy . In Spain we have very good actresses, although it is hard for us to admit it , and both Verónica Forqué and Candela Peña , and, above all, Adriana Ozores , all of them are superb . The film is narrated under the humble view-point of a naive teen well played Daniel Pérez who's dubbed by Carlos Hipolito performing voice-in-off in similar style to ¨Cuentame¨series . Stars Verónica Forqué who's an actress who, due to her physique and her voice, has been inevitably pigeonholed in comic roles, which this veteran actress borders on . Here she has several sentimental and hilarious moments in which the redhead also delivers the goods . The young but experienced Candela Peña has an amazing naturalness when interpreting , I miss seeing this interesting actress more on our screens , she is very convincing here , but Adriana Ozores is the one who steals the show . Adriana has managed to promote her cinematographic career in a very intelligent way . Ozores has a dramatic style , but her comic tone is also approved here and she is simply perfect. It is always pleasant to be able to enjoy our veteran actors of a lifetime and Juanjo Menéndez with a toupee has enchanted me . And by the way, François-Eric Gendron is very attractive here and Angel Andrés López is very big and not just physically . Sympathetic performances from main cast being accompanied by an attractive support cast with plenty of familar faces , such as : Jordi Bosch , Joaquin Climent , Daniel Pérez Prada, Carmen Balagué, Joan Potau, Jesús Castejón, Mariola Fuentes , Juan Carlos Vellido , Carlos Hipólito, Elena Anaya. And several fellow comedy directors have cameos, such as : Mariano Barroso , Jaime De Armiñan , Juán Tebar , Fernando Colomo , Manuel Gómez Pereira , and director Joaquín Oristrell himself.

It contains a spotless pictorial cinematography by Fernando Arribas , as well as lively score by Joan Vives. The motion picture was professionally directed by Joaquin Oristrell , at his film debut . The jump to the direction of the screenwriter Oristrell, nothing surprising in a product very usual in Fernando Colomo factory, according to the model of comedies made by Gómez Pereira at this time (co-writer here, Oristrell being co-writer of his films , forming a whole and competent team ) . With a banal and widely seen plot, with some light influence from Almódóvar in "Mujeres al verde de un ataque de nervos" and "La buena vida" by David Trueba, it is a choral comedy with respectful taste and classic aftertaste, very effective, based on in the everlasting war of the sexes and with a constant eagerness to update to the modern times. Oristrell is married to actress Carmen Balagué and is considered to be a good writer and filmmaker . Joaquin has directed as well as written nice and entertaining films . Oristell is expert on filming comedies (Dieta Mediterranea , unconscious , Sin Verguenza , ? De Que Rien Las Mujeres ¿) but being most famous as an original writer (Love causes seriously damage your health , Off Key , Between your legs , Extasis). The flick will appeal to Spanish comedy fonds . Rating : 5,5/10 . Passable and entertaining.