DVD Review - Solo Mia
Director Javier Balaguer has created a powerful picture of wife abuse which is something that seems to be rampant in Spain.
Angela (Paz Vega) is working as a receptionist when the charming Joaquin (Sergi Lopez) comes to her office for a meeting. Shortly after they meet (we don't know exactly how long) Angela and Joaquin are married. At first they seem very happy. But it doesn't take long for signs to appear. Joaquin is just too domineering. After the first slap Angela forgives him. But things really spiral out of control after she finds out that she is pregnant. Joaquin insists that she leave her job. He is also constantly putting her down just because he feels superior. Of note - Joaquin doesn't drink much so this is not done in a druken stupor. And he has a good job and is educated.
One fortunate thing that happens to Angela (besides the birth of her daughter) is that she meets Andrea (Elvira Minguez). They meet at a party given by Joaquin's firm. Andrea's husband Alejandro (Alberto Jimenez) is a co-worker of Joaquin's. Andrea gives Angela some much needed courage.
The film uses flashbacks and is very successful in doing so. You sometimes hear just voices and sounds and see nothing on the screen (except the English subtitles). I give Balaguer high marks for doing this. It works really well. The performances by Lopez and Vega are outstanding. They portray real flesh and blood characters.
I recommend this fine film to all who like good cinema. And I am also recommending another wonderful Spanish film that deals with the same subject - Take My Eyes. Both films make you realize just how much talent there is out there in this big world of ours.
Angela (Paz Vega) is working as a receptionist when the charming Joaquin (Sergi Lopez) comes to her office for a meeting. Shortly after they meet (we don't know exactly how long) Angela and Joaquin are married. At first they seem very happy. But it doesn't take long for signs to appear. Joaquin is just too domineering. After the first slap Angela forgives him. But things really spiral out of control after she finds out that she is pregnant. Joaquin insists that she leave her job. He is also constantly putting her down just because he feels superior. Of note - Joaquin doesn't drink much so this is not done in a druken stupor. And he has a good job and is educated.
One fortunate thing that happens to Angela (besides the birth of her daughter) is that she meets Andrea (Elvira Minguez). They meet at a party given by Joaquin's firm. Andrea's husband Alejandro (Alberto Jimenez) is a co-worker of Joaquin's. Andrea gives Angela some much needed courage.
The film uses flashbacks and is very successful in doing so. You sometimes hear just voices and sounds and see nothing on the screen (except the English subtitles). I give Balaguer high marks for doing this. It works really well. The performances by Lopez and Vega are outstanding. They portray real flesh and blood characters.
I recommend this fine film to all who like good cinema. And I am also recommending another wonderful Spanish film that deals with the same subject - Take My Eyes. Both films make you realize just how much talent there is out there in this big world of ours.
posted by Film Fanatic | 3:55 PM
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