La spagnola

The life story of a bitter woman that's despised by his husband and her continuous fight with her only daughter... Though the plot may look like a drama "La Spagnola" is actually a comedy with traces of tragedy. It's rather rude and hysterical and with a coarse sense of humor (just like Almodovar in his early works, but without the transgression of the Spanish director). It has also plenty of topics about Latin women (they're loud, passionate, etc., etc.).

As for the actress that plays the main role, Lola Marceli, it is funny 'cause in Spain he had never taken part on a movie. She had just played some minor roles in soap-operas and stuff, and suddenly they offer her a part in this Australian production. Well, I think he did a nice job, too bad it made no difference for his career, she's still making TV series... How come?? Well, I don't know. There you got actresses like Elena Anaya or Paz Vega that are just dreadful and still they participate in lots of movies. OK, they're younger than Marceli, but definitely they're not more beautiful than her and, above all, they're not as good actresses as she is. Spain is different.

*My rate: 6/10

Lucía is a 14-year-old girl living in Australia with her beautiful Spanish mother, Lola (the title refers to her and means "Spanish woman"), while her Italian father (named Ricardo) has run off with an Australian woman. Lola is a woman of fiery emotions, which she demonstrates very quickly by throwing herself on top of and then in front of the car as Ricardo attempts to drive off. She wants him back, or at least for him to pay her bills, and failing that she wants revenge. Lucía would just like a normal family and to spend time with the family chickens and the goat named Elvis.

That barely gives a hint of the flavor of the film, which is *very* quirky, often darkly humorous, and sometimes dramatic. I enjoyed individual bits (Lourdes Bartolomé steals the scenes she's in as Lucía's aunt Manola), but on the whole it didn't really work for me. Still, there's enough here to give it a mild recommendation.

This was Australia's nomination for the best foreign language film of 2001, which is an interesting concept in that Australia is an English speaking country, but this is in fact a foreign language film. It is currently playing in Europe, but the director (who was at the San Francisco International Film Festival screening where I saw it on 5/1/2002 to introduce it but not for questions) does not expect it to get distribution in the U.S.

The plot is tenuous, the action is repetitive, the cinematography is gawky industrial, the obsession with cars is cute, the multiple languages is interesting, the performances are adequate, the overall effect is "if you are tired watching Hollywood stuff you may want to check it out but then maybe not, just curl up in bed with a good book".

And if you are male, you may want to see it just for the blatant pleasure of ogling Lola Marceli in glorious 35 mm color.

"La Spagnola" (literally "The Spanish Woman", in Italian) is a searingly sexy black comedy from "down-under" that explores the dysfunctional relationship between the fiery and beautiful Spaniard, Lola (Lola Marceli in a star-making performance) and her sensitive and lonely daughter, Lucia (the beguiling newcomer Alice Ansara).

There is not a false note in the entire film. Under Steve Jacobs' assured direction, the faultless performances, stunning cinematography, playful musical score and songs, work their surprising and indelible magic upon us.

Anna-Maria Monticelli's achingly funny yet deceptively simple narrative rings with harsh truths about the migrant experience in 60s Australia, and propels this sublime human drama towards a touching conclusion.

"La Spagnola" is firecracker of a film and a sure-fire bet for the next "Best Foreign Film" Oscar.

La Spagnola had a lot of potential but didn't live up to expectations. The plot just was not strong enough. Despite fine acting this was a missed opportunity. It has its heart in the right place but not a lot really happens. Alice Ansara is a real find and is a young actor we will here a lot more from in the future.