Juana la Loca - "Juana The Mad, Mad With Love"
I enjoyed this film very much, though I'm biased as I've been fascinated with the story of Juana and Philip for over twenty years since I first stumbled across them in history books, so much so that I wrote a historical novel about them some years ago, sadly never published! Juana, 16th century Princess of Spain, was an intriguing individual, displaying behaviour in her teens that was considered odd, such as being too outspoken (including about sex), temperamental and prone to daydreaming. But she was also highly intelligent, excelled at her studies including ability to read and write Latin as well as male scholars, and was a gifted dancer, as well as possessing great physical beauty.<p>
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At 16, her parents (Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain) arranged marriage for her with Philip, Duke of Flanders and son of Emperor Maximilian, in order to strengthen their political power. Philip, aged 17, was reputed to be the handsomest man in Europe, with long golden hair, bright blue eyes, and an athlete's physique. Juana travelled to Flanders for their wedding ceremony, which would also be their first meeting. Philip arrived the night before the wedding was to take place and, on seeing his bride to be for the first time, fell in love with her at first sight and demanded that the wedding take place right then and there. The feeling was very much mutual for Juana, and they had a hurried wedding ceremony and then immediately ran off to begin their honeymoon!<p>
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Sadly, the infautation only lasted some months for Philip, a fickle young man who'd always been a hit with the ladies and was now starting to resume his flirtations. Juana, intensely in love with Philip to past the point of obsession, became consumed with jealousy and rage, which over time developed into what others perceived to be madness. (Many years after this film takes place, she became known in legend in her native Spain, as 'Juana la Loca, loca de amor' 'Juana the Mad, mad with love', probably hence the title of the film).<p>
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I won't divulge any more of the story in order to avoid this turning into a 'spoiler'. This is a Spanish made film with English subtitles, but the subtitles are thankfully very clearly printed. It's beautifully photographed, with lush scenery and costumes. The acting is mostly very good, though Philip comes across as a cardboard cutout with no discernible personality who just hangs around looking dark and 'brooding'; the real Philip was a lively, lightweight character who was all hunky looks and flashy clothes, and who felt that his political duties were a nuisance that got in the way of chasing the ladies and playing sports: a bit of a 'himbo', really. But the actress who plays Juana is excellent, very much embodying how I've always visualised Juana, in both appearance and character. There is one memorable scene in particular that really moved me: Juana has just discovered that her husband has been sleeping with another woman, and on the same day, has just read a letter from Spain informing her that her mother has died. She breaks down with sorrow and runs out sobbing into the courtyard amid torrential rain, crying out 'My mother is dead! My husband is unfaithful!' over and over until exhaustion overwhelms her. The actress, Pilar Lopez de Ayala, deservedly won a Best Actress award in Spain for this film.<p>
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Recommended, especially if you enjoy films set in the European Renaissance, or just a very moving and tragic love story.Read full review
