American Visa/ Rosario Tijeras (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Item arrived promptly and in great condition, as was stated in the ad. Extremely happy with purchase and seller.

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American VisaMario Alvarez (Demian Bichir) is an English teacher in the Bolivian countryside. He decides to send his son to study in the U.S. in hope of reuniting with him later on. Along the way he meets Blanca (Kate del Castillo), a beautiful exotic dancer who will make him question whether the road to happiness lies in following your heart or in fulfilling the American Dream. Rosario Tijeras Rosario Tijeras tells the story of 2 friends who one day meet and are seduced by a beautiful and sensuous hitwoman named Rosario Tijeras (Flora Martinez). Moved by hatred against everyone who has ever hurt and abused her, violence has become her way of life. The three friends will soon loose themselves in a passionate love triangle where the pain of love will be confused with that of death.American Visa Mario Álvarez (Demian Bichir) es un profesor de inglés que envía a su hijo a estudiar a los Estados Unidos. Años después, decide reunirse con El, sin embargo sus planes se frustran cuando su visa Americana es rechazada. Desesperado por reunirse con su hijo, Mario hará cualquier cosa para llegar a Gringolandia. En medio de sus hazañas, conoce a Blanca (Kate del Castillo), una bella y alegre bailarina exótica quien le cuestionará si la felicidad esta en el amor o en realizar el sueño americano. Rosario Tijeras: Basada en la novela del aclamado escritor Jorge Franco, Rosario Tijeras cuenta la historia de Antonio y Emilio, dos amigos que conocen a una bella y sensual sicaria del narcotráfico Colombiano, Rosario Tijeras (Flora Martinez). Movida por el odio contra todos los que la han maltratando, Rosario hace de la violencia su estilo de vida. Los tres amigos pronto se perderán en un triángulo pasional donde confundirán el dolor del amor con el de la muerte.English Subtitles

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The Best of Youth (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)It takes some time to get into the story of this film, and the filmmakers take their time telling the story. With most films, that would be a criticism, but in this case it is a signal of what is distinctive and wonderful about this film -- easily one of the most worthwhile and compelling fictions ever created for the big screen. After about an hour and a half I was completely hooked and there was no chance I wasn't going to stay and watch both parts of this six-hour film, which is by turns touching, comic, and devastating. (It is not, by the way, that the first hour and a half are slow, but that they are designed to give you time to get to know the characters -- rest assured that the film is never boring -- unless the very idea of a subtitled film about people from another country bores you.) Liberated from the need to tell their story in a two or three hour scope, the filmmakers opted to make it not so much about a single event or action that affects the lives of a few people but about the people themselves as their lives unfold in complex and unpredictable ways in connection with the events taking place in Italy and in their families over a period of three decades: a wonderful cast of characters played by remarkable actors who show them convincingly aging and changing over the course of about thirty years. We have time to get to know them, and care about them as people, to the point where they become like family. It is hard to credit before watching this film the claims by numerous critics that after six hours they didn't want it to be over -- but in my case at the end I absolutely agreed. Though it is not strictly speaking necessary and the film already comes to a perfect conclusion -- and is probably impossible, given that the film ends in the year 2000 -- I found myself wishing there were a third part. In that sense, it is closer to television or to the novel than to most films. It is also close to television in its intimacy, told as it is mostly through closeups -- but it is wonderful to see that intimate attention to detail brought to life on the big screen. Still, for its scope and grandeur and power, and for its ability to connect intimate details to issues of extremely wide scope both historical and contemporary, it is very much a cinematic epic. There are a few moments that test the credibility of the audience -- but somehow it all works to give the kind of enjoyable and moving experience that we often seek but rarely find in the cinema. Definitely a film to see in the theaters if you get lucky enough to have the chance (Miramax has done a very poor job distributing this: holding on to it for a couple of years and then not knowing what to do with it and getting it out to only a few theaters: now it is running the College film festival circuit, so keep an eye out for it there; I got the chance to see it only because I brought it to the film series I run in Saint Petersburg, FL), but it is definitely a must when it comes out on DVD in February.

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In the award-winning epic tradition of THE GODFATHER and COLD MOUNTAIN, THE BEST OF YOUTH has wowed critics and earned honors at numerous film festivals worldwide. As Italy explodes in an era of social unrest, a single ill-fated incident sends the lives of equally idealistic brothers Nicola and Matteo Carati careening in opposite directions. Divided by politics but bonded by blood, the next 40 years will find the brothers’ divergent paths intersecting through some of the most tumultuous events in recent history! A stunning cinematic achievement, you don’t want to miss this incredible motion picture!

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Hell on Wheels (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)First, what this film is NOT: it is NOT a documentary of the 2003 Tour-de-France, even though that is where all the action takes place. When the film is over, you won't even know - unless you already knew - that the race was won by Lance Armstrong, nor will you know who finished second and third, or who won most of the stages. The film does not follow the normal storyline of a race documentary.
What, then, DOES it do? It gives an inside look at what it feels like to be a professional cyclist racing in the Tour-de-France, as seen through the eyes of the German Telekom team (now renamed T-Mobile.) Focusing largely on veteran riders Eric Zabel, Rolf Aldag (since retired), and Andreas Kloden, we get behind the scenes to see what life is really like in big-time cycling. And what we see is a world simultaneously more beautiful, graceful, painful, and smelly than what we see on regular television coverage of the Tour.
"Hell on wheels," indeed, for we see the sweat rolling from the riders' faces, the stress, the injuries, the almost military regimen of a virtually all-male world.
We see the rubdowns, the shaving of legs, the plastering of buttocks with anti-rash gel, the injection of (legal) vitamins and supplements, the urination by the side of the road. We see the dirty side of the sport.
But we also see the grace, and we feel the danger. We see the cyclists at speed, and we feel it. Most television coverage of the Tour is taken from vehicles moving at the same speed as the cyclists, so the sense of speed and danger is often lost. This film captures those elements.
And we also see the roadside spectacle, the picnics, the parties, the campers, the police, the traveling Tour caravan, the circus elements of the Tour, which are often noted only in passing in television accounts of the race.
Those who expected this to be an objective re-telling of the 2003 Tour were undoubtedly disappointed. But I disagree with those reviewers who said this film would be unintelligible to those who are not racing fans. On the contrary, I think this would be an excellent introduction to the sport for non-fans. Focusing on the inner nature of the sport, rather than on the results of a particular race, it is an excellent introduction indeed.

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LOVE LANCE? You'll love HELL ON WHEELS, the first film about professional bike racing that anyone can appreciate, featuring the world's best bike racers -- Lance Armstrong, Eric Zabel, Jan Ullrich, Tyler Hamilton, Alexandre Vinokurov, Andreas Klöden-- and directed by Academy Award-winner Pepe Danquart!Le Tour de France, one of the toughest and most prestigious sporting events in the world. Year after year hundreds of thousands of fans line the route, cheering on their heroes and willing them to victory, while millions of viewers worldwide tune in on their televisions. Academy Award-winning director Pepe Danquart, fascinated by the spectacle of the three week race, chose to focus on the courage, the pain and the fear of the riders of the Tour.Training his lens on German superstar sprinter Eric Zabel and his loyal domestique Rolf Aldag, Danquart captures the thrill of the race and the teamwork behind the stars of the peleton. He also shines light on the Tour's supporting cast - the director sportifs, masseurs, and, of course, the wildly enthusiastic fans. Reveling in the stunning landscape - from the Alps to the Pyrenees to the Massif Central to Paris - and with a nice dollop of Le Tour's history, HELL ON WHEELS transcends the sport it celebrates to reveal an astonishing human endeavor.

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Bliss (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an excellent movie based on a book by the same name about a beautiful Turkish girl who is found to be "tainted" (she was actually raped)& is placed in a barn with a noose while people, including her hateful stepmother, expect her to hang herself. The girl refuses, and, instead, is sent to Istanbul with her male cousin who is supposed to "finish the job" there. I can't tell you anything else because it would spoil the movie, but there's an interesting relationship that develops between the cousins and a forward-thinking university professor who is disillusioned with his life. Stunning shots of Turkey included.

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Adapted from internationally acclaimed author Zulfu Livaneli's novel, BLISS is an unconventional road movie in which the executioner of an honor killing and his victim go on a journey of self-discovery.When 17-year-old Meryem (Ozgu Namal) is found disheveled and unconscious by the side of a lake, her family believes the worst - that her chastity has been lost and that she has been a willing accomplice in its disposal. They turn to the ancient principle of "tore," a strict moral code governing the rules of sexual practice, which condemns Meryem to death. The duty of defending the family's honor is given to distant cousin Cemal (Murat Han), who must take Meryem to Istanbul and kill her along the way.The two begin to fall for each other and their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet Irfan (Talat Bulut), an academic escaping his big city angst, who is also looking for a second chance in life. Set against the impressive backdrop of Turkey's natural wonders, BLISS pits tradition against modernity, urban against rural and East against West, all the while refusing to settle for easy answers.

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Los Borgia (The Borgias) (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)First, a few clarifications. Although the "Product Details" section says the film is 120 minutes in length and is presented in a "full screen" version, it actually runs over two hours and twenty minutes and is in a wide-screen format(it looks to be about 2.35:1 to me). Yellow, English subtitles are also available.
Now for the movie itself. I'm not an expert, but the film seems to be fairly accurate historically, especially for "movie history". This is most apparent in the depiction of Lucretia Borgia, played by Maria Valverde. She is not the murderous poisoner of legend, but a pawn of her father and brothers who is married off so the Borgias can create political alliances with other powerful families. There are some liberties taken with historical facts in order to tighten the narrative and make events less confusing. For example, in reality, Lucretia was only thirteen years old at the time of her first marriage. However, there's plenty of corruption, intrigue and assassination to keep the film interesting. Late in the film, when it looks like it might be slowing down a bit, Paz Vega shows up as sword-wielding Borgia opponent Caterina Sforza and gives the film a shot of adrenalin.
The movie is beautiful looking with lucious sets, costumes, and photography. It's fortunate that the film is presented in widescreen so this can be fully appreciated. The acting is also fine. The film has many virtues, but for me, comes up just short of those other Renaissance films QUEEN MARGOT and the first ELIZABETH with Cate Blanchett. That said, it's still a fine, entertaining film and well worth watching.

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Juan, Cesar and Jofré, the three sons of Rodrigo Borgia, are headed to Vatican City where it is being held the papal conclave to choose a new Pope. Upon arrival, they will be informed that his father has been elected "Pontiff" with the name of Alejandro VI. The new Holy Father dreams with expanding the Vatican territories in all possible ways. Meanwhile between brothers a great rivalry erupts, as the family enemies are waiting for any opportunity to stop the dominance of The Borgia's in Rome.Juan, César y Jofré, los tres hijos de Rodrigo Borgia, se dirigen al Vaticano, donde se está celebrando el cónclave para elegir nuevo Papa. Allí se enteran que su padre acaba de ser elegido pontífice con el nombre de Alejandro VI. El nuevo Papa sueña con aumentar los territorios del Vaticano de todas las formas posibles. Entre los hermanos comienza una gran rivalidad, mientras los enemigos de la familia aguardan cualquier oportunidad para impedir la hegemonía de los Borgia en Roma.English Subtitles

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La Otra Mitad del Sol (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I really enjoyed watching "La Otra Mitad del Sol". I have watched several telenovelas offered by Amazon to practice my Spanish. This one was edited perfectly, I did not feel that something was missing (obviously cut out) as in some other edited soaps. The story is interesting, different and original, one of the best I have seen.

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AN IRRISISTIBLE ROMANCE... A LOVE THAT WILL LAST FOREVER In this powerful story of romantic destiny, popular Mexican film and soap opera actor Demián Bichir (The Argentine, Guerrilla, TV's Weeds, Bendito infierno, Sexo pudor y lágrimas) stars as Felipe, a married man drawn to a mysterious woman in his dreams. Seeking help for his restlessness, Felipe is startled to meet psychotherapist Mariana (Anette Michel, Cuando seas mia), who bears a striking resemblance to his dream woman. The counseling sessions become a soul-searching journey for both therapist and patient as hypnosis uncovers a strong bond from the past.
UN ROMANCE IRRESISTIBLE... UN AMOR QUE SERÁ PARA SIEMPRE En esta impactante historia de romance y destino, el popular actor mexicano de cine y telenovelas Demián Bichir (The Argentine, Guerrilla, TV's Weeds, Bendito infierno, Sexo pudor y lagrimas) protagoniza a Felipe, un hombre casado atraído hacia una mujer misteriosa en sus sueños. Al buscar ayuda para su inquietud, Felipe se sorprende al conocer a la psicoterapeuta Mariana (Anette Michel, Cuando seas mía), quien tiene un extraordinario parecido con la mujer que aparece en sus sueños. Las sesiones de psicoterapia se convierten en un trayecto de introspección tanto para la terapeuta como para el paciente, quienes bajo hipnósis descubren un fuerte lazo que une sus pasados.

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Las Juanas: Season 2 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Las Juanas Season 2 is the Mexican version.
The soap opera does not intend to be serious and in some way they are taking the piss out of the telenovela's industry by being overly cheesy at times (maybe I see it that wat because I am Mexican), so it has to be enjoyed for what it is.
Wish it had the subtitles for the English speakers but I guess it is a good way to practise for those who had a reasonable level of Spanish (beside the native speakers of course)


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Studio: Laguna Productions IncRelease Date: 08/12/2008Run time: 3360 minutes

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Que Familia Mas Normal (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)I recomend this movie to teachers of Spanish who want to include in their selection a light-hearted movie with family as a topic at its heart. The actors' accents and idiomatic expressions are true to their characters and authentic: Fernando Allende is Mexican, just like his character, Armando Gutiérrez. Nydia Caro is Puerto Rican, just like her character Lulli. The main characters' mothers have come to join their household; their names are the same the VIrgin Mary has in Mexico (Guadalupe) and in Puerto Rico (Providencia). The Gutiérrez's son is engaged to the daughter of a Cuban father and an Argentinian mother; their daughter, to a very dark-skinned gringo. They converge in their house to celebrate theire son's engagement. The situations and crises the characters go through are very comical and it all has a happy ending.
The family is modern, upper middle class but tradtions and cultural references to the different countries represented in it are there. The enunciation of the characters is clear enough for intermediate and advanced classes in Spanish.It has subtitles to help those in lower level classes. The script is more suitable for a half-hour sitcom than a movie and the editing isn't the best. Its value is more in cultural and linguistic richness.
This is a movie for those who want to see a different aspect of Hispanic cultures, a fresh modern one not based on corruption, politics, drug-trafficking, and guerrilla movements in poverty-ridden backgrounds.

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Cultures hilariously collide in this crazy, warm-hearted comedy about the often perilous journey toward family harmony. Popular film and TV star Fernando Allende is Armando, a suave radio disc jockey trying to hide his sexy secretary from his jealous wife. Meanwhile, he's caught in the unrelenting power struggle between his mother and his mother-in-law, both from very different and equally proud cultures. If that's not tough enough, his son plans to marry the daughter of a sophisticated Argentine mother and a streetwise Cuban father who add a unique layer to the family's multicultural blend. Un divertidisimo choque de culturas es el tema de esta alocada y calida comedia acerca de los peligros que abundan en la busqueda de la armonia familiar.La popular estrella de cine y television Fernando Allende es Armando, un meloso disc-jockey que trata de esconder a su sexy secretaria de la celosa de su mujer.Entretanto, se encuentra en medio de una implacable guerra de voluntades entre su madre y su suegra, ambas de culturas muy diferentes e igualmente orgullosas.Y como si fuera poco, su hijo quiere casarse con la hija de una sofisticada dama argentina y de un padre cubano astuto, que le agregan un matiz unico a la mezcla multicultural de esta familia.

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Rubi (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Rubi was amazing on DVD. I have to admit I was a little iffy whether I should buy it because I have purchased other Novelas on DVD and didn't like them. I'm the first to admit, I was wrong. It has the whole show on it and it's not all chopped up either. It even has some extra footage and an alternative ending. I would strongly suggest this to any Rubi fan. The show was great and the DVD dosen't come far behind.

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Rubi is an ambitious young woman, who all her life wanted to become rich. She studies in a private university, where she meets sweet and rich Maribel, and becomes her friend. Rubi is the only friend of Maribel, who doesn’t know that she wants to be her friend only because of her money. When Hector, a young and handsome architect with whom Maribel had been chatting on the Internet arrives at Mexico, Rubi meets his friend, Alejandro. Alejandro and Rubi immediately fall in love. Hector proposes to Maribel and she accepts. When Rubi finds out that Alejandro isn’t rich as she thought, she decides to break up with him and do everything in order to marry rich Hector, and finally get the life she always dreamed of.

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