Real Women have Curves

Yes its about women, but its not a chic flick. Its a refreshing look at the strengths and weaknesses of one Latino family as it deals with the conflicts that surface because of the change in gender landscape that is evolving in our culture. The eighteen-year-old protagonist, Ana, represents the new while her mother depicts the entrenched old ways. The battleground is the mother daughter conflict with its multiple emotional cross threads.

The wonderful achievement of this film is that it has the strength of a documentary with the drama of a storyline. We see the Latino culture in the family, the Los Angeles neighborhood and the home industry sweatshop run by Anas sister. At the same time, the plot progresses with a bright young woman in conflict with her work ethic family. With a hellion for a mother and a series of crises, it becomes less and less likely that she can ever get to college.

The film won the Dramatic Audience Award at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival. It is based on a play written by Josefina Lopez, who has a bit part in the film as Veronica. Patricia Cardoso directed the film. It is her sixth and the first one she has done in eight years and in my view, a notable success.

The film opens with a wonderful singing woman. Its her film debut and she must be at least 90. Shes also at the end, buried in the credits. The characterizations in the story were stereotypical but perfect for creating a real believable family. I also enjoyed the realism of the urban American Latino community scenes as Ana, the protagonist, travels across the city to a better high school.

America Ferrera plays Ana. She is eighteen, the same age as her character and she portrays this half woman, half sullen rebellious teen with schizophrenic accuracy. This is her film debut and a terrific showing. She is one of six children of Honduran parents, her high school class valedictorian and USC bound, almost a perfect match of her film self. She received a Special Jury Prize for Acting from the Sundance Film Festival.

Lupe Ontiveros plays Carmen, Anas mother. Lupe has been in secondary or bit parts for twenty-five years. This is her first primary role, and she shines as the blaming, clutching, selfish, vindictive mother..whew! She was tough! She also received a Special Jury Prize for Acting from the Sundance Film Festival.

During the DVD interview, Anas father character discusses the film title. He believes that in addition to its physical specificity, it is a metaphor for the different way that woman think.

Reviewed August 20, 2003