Raisons de vivre

A couple of reviewers here have commented that they found it unbelievable that a "gay" man would have a sexual and emotional romance with a woman. However I found the story's plot to be completely believable.

It is a fact of life that a significant percentage of those who identify as "gay" or "lesbian" are also attracted to the opposite sex - some more than others. Few would identify as "bisexual" (which some presume to be an almost equal attraction to both men and women), but their "right" person could indeed be a very special man or a very special woman (if their hearts and minds were open).

Many gay men (myself included) and lesbians consciously prevent bisexual behaviour by refusing to let themselves respond to the opposite sex flirting or opportunities. I identify strongly with Iñaqui's experience and to me "I Will Survive" is memorable as one of the finest examples of fiction which explores the reality of bisexuality.

Iñaqui and Marga have the courage to test the full potential of their relationship (however unlikely it may be to endure) - very much like the passionate lead roles in the superb BBC2 series "Bob and Rose" (by Russell T Davies).

We are told about how is Marga's life. From her adolescence until she finds a job and a very good-looking boyfriend. When everything seems perfect in her life, she has a car crash and her husband dies, in addition, she is pregnant and she is fired, all in the same day. Does she lose the will of living? Of course not, because the opposite to depression is not happiness but having will of living with passion; and that's what Marga tries to do, despite all the bad things than happen to her, she will fight to live with happiness and passion. With really good actors, that, maybe are not known out of Spain, the story results very touching and it catches you from the beginning. With a very open-minded way of dealing with problems about not-very-sure gay men and a fantastic soundtrack (mainly from Ray Heredia and Paco Ortega, two great flamenco singers) it is a film that will move you and, probable, will help you to deal with your everyday problems. The only bad aspect that I may point is the fact that she is very disgraced, it is hard to have so bad luck in everything as Marga suffers in the film; it can result a little unbelievable. Anyway it is very good. If you have tendency to cry, please, be sure you have something to dry your tears!

SOBREVIVIRE (I WILL SURVIVE) is a fine little film from Spain circa 1999 that because of recent important legislation in that country becomes even more pertinent than when it was made. Co-written and directed by Alfonso Albacete, with assistance from David Menkes and Lucía Etxebarría, this is a fresh look at relationships and the human needs and the compromises faced in the search for happiness. SOBREVIVIRE is probably the healthiest and most intelligent examination of pan sexuality: it takes on tough issues and allows them to nurture the comedy that is life! After an introduction of her childhood idiosyncrasies we meet the adult Marga (the superb Emma Suárez) wholly in love with Roberto (Adrià Collado), joyfully creating a home for their upcoming marriage. There is a car accident and Marga is injured but Roberto is killed, devastating Marga who has learned that she is pregnant with Roberto's child. At the same time she loses her job due to her disruptive friend Trini (Rosana Pastor) and must strike out on her own. She is denied government funds until she gives birth to her child and in desperation she falls into a video store ownership and takes on a Cuban au pair Rosa (Mirta Ibarra) who lightens not only her domestic load but also her spirit. Some years pass and Marga and Rosa become fast friends.

As Marga begins to feel the loneliness of being a single mom she meets handsome Iñaqui (Juan Diego Botto) in her video store. Iñaqui is recovering from a breakup with his boyfriend Oscar (Alberto San Juan) and is as attracted to Marga as she is to him. Iñaqui informs Marga he is gay, a fact that Rosa and other friends have already prepared her for. In full knowledge of each other's pasts they embark on a relationship that flowers with a subtlety and tenderness that allows us to feel the anxieties of each while letting the innate comedy shine through.

Iñaqui tries to forget his sexual orientation and is even able to override some temptations that occur. Marga fears that eventually the warmly human Iñaqui will eventually leave her and they admit to each other that neither has 'heard the music' that is supposed to come with romance. Rosa meanwhile has found love with a performer, Rolando (Manuel Manquiña) and convinces Marga to fly to Cuba to be part of her marriage. When Marga returns she realizes her devotion to Iñaqui, and since that devotion is mutual is shared, the two marry. How the film ends is magical yet real and deserves to be discovered by each viewer. Suffice it to say that it is a very realistic and intelligent ending.

Each of the actors in this bouncy little film is excellent with special kudos to Emma Suárez, a truly fine actress. Yet all of the other main characters are superbly handled and the supporting cast is equally fine, especially the 'together couple' José (Alex Brendemühl) and Carlos (Javier Martín). The music, the sets, the pacing, the editing and especially the direction are first class. This is one of those little movies that deserves a very wide audience. In Spanish with English subtitles. Highly recommended. Grady Harp

Despite the fact that gay love between two couples is not the central theme, I must admit that this movie removed some hidden feelings in my passages that I had forgotten about love. Love is not about preferences or tastes, but giving and receiving from the bottom of your heart regardless of gender, race, religion, etc. This film is full of very beautiful scenes about that unconditional love between human beings where hatred, rancor, envy has no place. I consider this movie as one of the most outstanding in the world of the Spanish Cinema, its music full of gypsy singing with sensuality and an incomparable sweet flavor where passion and the most beautiful feelings of the heart are mixed. So Arriba Spain for this recapitulation of love!

I WILL SURVIVE is, in short, the best possible result of what a recent American movie with Madonna and Ruppert Everett could have been. This European version with less famous (worldwide) stars, though very well-known on their local turf, is the classic example of ground which continues to be solidly on the other side of the Atlantic. The Europeans consistently put out intelligent sex/love-themed comedies while North Americans continue to fall short of the mark in this genre. If you don't understand this, check out I WILL SURVIVE, currently making the "Festival" Circuit in North America. The natural approach taken to nudity, sexual orientation, frank discussions of love and sexual dilemmas, and unsanitized situations (while still taking place in the upper classes of society) contrasts stridently with Hollywood fare. Ultimately, the contrast might be explained by the Puritanism which still permeates North American morals. However, the fact still remains that smarter, better, and just as glossy (if not glossier) comedies continue to come from Spain and France, in particular. If you need proof, don't miss I WILL SURVIVE.