Linbeymusol Wonderful character development!

Senteur As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Humbersi The first must-see film of the year.

Raymond Sierra The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

SnoopyStyle It's the 1930's. Young Irish woman Mary Lavelle (Polly Walker) comes to Spain to work as governess in the Areavaga family. Political tension is pressuring the wealthy family. The married son Francisco (Vincent Perez) is politically active, and falls for Mary. The father Dr. Vicente (Franco Nero) is sympathetic but endeavors to stay moderate. Mary is unsure about her impending marriage to a political activist in Ireland.Interestingly, it features Frances McDormand in a minor role as another Irish governess, and Penélope Cruz as one of the daughters. Franco Nero is giving tremendous depth to the movie. Polly Walker seems a bit too old for the role. The character is better served to have younger more naive 20something.The production value could be better. It feels like a higher end made-for-TV movie. The backdrop of Spanish political instability adds a great deal of tension. Without a doubt, this is a soapy romance. Sometimes, it's abrupt like pages are missing from a book. And the ending isn't that satisfying with many questions left unanswered.

docrob44 From reading the previous viewer contents one would never be able to truly appreciate what a marvelous film this was. Perhaps one of the reasons I reacted so positively to this film was that I lived through that period of the Spanish Civil War which had great meaning for many millions of Americans. It was, of course, the preview to WWII with the Germans backing General Franco and the Russians supplying the rebels. However even without the drama of pre civil war Spain the film stands up well on its own as a beautiful love story. An especially provocative theme of the movie is reflected in Maria's comment that "We are shown what it is we most desire but we cannot have it". Unfortunately this poignant comment is all too true for countless millions of folks. One important segment of the film not mentioned by previous viewers is the magnificent musical score. Its recurring melodic themes have a hauntingly beautiful effect which serves to enhance the sensuous love scenes between the two principals.

mahajanssen This movie was a good effort and passable but it wasn't great. There should've been clearer evidence of why Maria went to Spain, why she needed to flee her fiance. I thought Franco Nero, the great actor that he is, should have been given a meatier role. Vincent Perez could've done so much more if only he was given the chance.The love story was rather subtle and I liked that they didn't overdo it like many other movies do. There was only one kissing scene and it wasn't shown if or not they ever consummated their love. It made you hungry for more! They didn't need a reason to fall in love, they just did. SPOILER! I thought the ending was perfect - for once, you don't see the lovers running into each other's arms for the ultimate cliched ending.The political unrest in Spain was well reflected. There was enough of it but to the oblivious like me, who never knew anything about the Franco era in Spain, maybe it would have helped if there was some clarification why there was a civil war, at least a little bit.Watch this movie for a chance to see Penelope Cruz pre-Tom Cruise days.

Dee-29 I enjoyed this movie, since I tend to like movies about longing and love. Vincent Perez has eyes that just melt the screen and Polly Walker is breathtakingly gorgeous. I liked the interaction between her character and her Irish friends - especially Frances McDormand whose face says so much with hardly a word.I think it would have been better if they showed a little bit more interaction between Vincent P. and Polly. Loved the actress that read the poem aloud. Her voice is oddly soothing.Also, got a kick out of her friend with the kooky hat!I know this is the type of movie that is more of a woman's movie - I know my husband could probably not sit through it.