20 Centimeters

Ramon Salazar wrote and directed this delightful Spanish musical/comedy. It is the story of Marieta, (Monica Cervera) a transvestite who longs to have an operation to become a woman. Although she looks like very feminine she is quite well endowed with a male organ (check the title of the film).

Marieta shares an apartment with her friend Tomas (Miguel O'Dogherty) who is a dwarf. There are also several eccentric people who live in her building, some of who are problematic. Marieta happens to suffer from narcolepsy and can fall asleep at the drop of a hat. During these episodes she has colorful dreams in which she is the star of gaudy musical productions.

Marieta eventually meets a nice young man named Raul. He likes Marieta just the way she is. Will romantic feelings persuade Marieta to forgo her sex change? Or will she go ahead with it and fulfill her dream of becoming a real woman? If you want to find out you will have to see the film for yourself.

This is a charming, lively little film that has the potential to become a cult classic in the vein of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Cervera is terrific as Marieta. I really felt for her and I hoped that things would start to go her way. This film is definitely worth a look on DVD.