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Frida

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`Frida' provides an captivating interpretation of an artist's life.

Mar 2, 2006

by MzJen_2_review

Rating:

As Frida, Hayek literally carries the film. Tender and vulnerable one moment, she can become fiery and self-confident the next. Hayak also captures much of the excruciating physical torment that Frida was forced to endure during her lifetime - and which often became the central subject of much of her art. Alfred Molina makes of Rivera a fascinatingly understated figure. His seeming world-weariness camouflages a tenderness and ability to love deeply, which, apparently, few in his life - apart from Frida - were ever able to see. Ashley Judd does a nice turn as one of Rivera's socialite devotees and Antonio Banderas makes his mark in his very brief appearance as David Siqueiros, a passionate socialist who accuses Rivera of kowtowing to the powers-that-be whom he claims to despise (Banderas is so good in the role that one regrets he isn't given more screen time). Geoffrey Rush, unfortunately, is not given enough time or good material to make much of an impression as Trotsky.

Taymor has had mixed results integrating Frida's works into the story. The director occasionally dabbles in surrealism by having Frida and Diego literally enter into the world of her paintings. Sometimes it works; sometimes it serves merely as a fancy distraction. Still, Taymor at least deserves credit for boldness in such scenes.

All in all, `Frida' provides a fascinating portrait of its heroine - and one of the best performances of that year to go along with it.

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More Frida reviews

review by MichaelN. March 22, 2009

posted in Movie Hype

Salma Hyak Looks Just Like Frida in this Instant Classic!

Salma Hyak looks amazingly like the actual Frida Kahlo in this wonderful testiment to one of the most misunderstood and fascinating personalities of the 20th century! Frida was the victim of a bus accident that nearly crippled her and left her in agony throughout her life. As a result, Frida saw the dark side of life and painted some of the most amazing abstract works of art that I have ever seen. Frida formed a bond with the famous political painter, Diego Rivera. The two … more

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review by MichaelN. January 27, 2005

posted in Movie Hype

Instant Classic!

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review by gradyharp. June 12, 2003

'Lovely to look at, empty to hold'

FRIDA has all the ingredients of a spectacular film - magnificent color, innovative visual effects and directorial decisions by Julie Taymor, "names" of some big stars in the business, a powerfuly evocative musical score, and grand swatch of Mexican history as seen through the eyes of the Communists in the first part of the last century. Alfred Molina takes center stage in this FRIDA as a thoroughly well-realized Diego Rivera, and while Salma Hayek has good moments she is restricted by a script … more

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About the reviewer

Jen-Jay AKA:JJI (MzJen_2_review)
Ranked #89

Married into the military for over a decade and it does has itpros andcons. The lifestyle is great and Ido enjoy it. I'm able to do things and see things that I thought I wouldn't dream of. My kids loves … more

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About this movie

Wiki

Salma Hayek makes up for many bad movies with her fierce performance in this sumptuous film. Hayek plays the Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo, whose tempestuous life with her unfaithful husband, muralist Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina), drives the story ofFrida. Maverick director Julie Taymor (Titus, the Broadway stage production ofThe Lion King) pulls out a wealth of gorgeous visuals to capture everything from the horrific bus accident that damaged Kahlo's spine to her and Rivera's trip to New York City, where Rivera's political leanings ruptured a commission from the Rockefeller family. Though the script spends too much time telling us how great Frida's painting is (rather than trusting in the power of the images themselves), Taymor's dynamic energy and Kahlo's forceful personality giveFridagenuine emotional impact. The superb cast includes Roger Rees, Valeria Golino, Ashley Judd, Geoffrey Rush, Antonio Banderas, and Edward Norton.--Bret Fetzer

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Details

Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Geoffrey Rush, Alfred Molina, Ashley Judd, Diego Luna, Mía Maestro, Saffron Burrows, Claudio Brook, Valeria Golino, Salvador Sanchez, Patricia Reyes Spindola, Roger Rees, Juan Jose Gurrola, Ofelia Medina, Max Kerlow, Margarita Sanz

Genre: Drama, Romance

Release Date: January 1, 1984, October 25, 2002

MPAA Rating: R

Screen Writer: Rodrigo García

Runtime: 1hr 48min, 2hrs 3min

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