Despite some predictable twists, this film is gripping and engaging.The unrated version I saw had some very graphic sex that only heightens the life or death passions that drive this story.The surprise to me was Banderas,who gives a strong performance as a desperately infatuated man who cannot let go of his new wife (Jolie) even as he finds himself sucked irretrievably into her grim and very shady past. The location photography is rich and lush and the sets are beautiful.Though at first I was miffed by the ending,I decided that truth is nearly always stranger fiction--and I could think of several historical examples where men and women sacrificed wealth and social position for the sake of a relationship that people on the outside did not approve. I can't be more specific because I don't want to spoil anyone's fun. Caveat: If you buy the unrated version, it would be risky to invite your conservative friends, parents or grandparents or (gasp!) the pastor to watch it. There's some very hot and heavy sinning going on--and every graphic scene couldn't possibly be better lit or better photographed! Consider yourself warned!Read full review
I really enjoyed this. It's a mystery/romance/murder/deception movie. Did not do well at the box office but it has aged well and deserves a second (or first) chance. It does not go at all where you might think it will so it keeps you on your toes and definitely holds your attention. Very good for this genre of film. The acting is good all around. The naughty stuff is germane to the story it's not gratuitous and it's well done. But not a movie for those under 16 or so for both the plot and the nude scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed the film.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
In this hot movie, Luis Durand is awaiting his bride he aquired through a picture. Luis was expecting the woman in the picture until she arrived and he was surprised. Julia Russel is the most beautiful woman Luis has ever seen! She is so mysterious. This DVD also includes a great music video by Glora Estefan - You Can't Walk Away From Love.
Luis Durand (Antonio Banderas) is a wealthy Cuban coffee planter who has arranged a mail order bride from Baltimore. When his wife-to be arrives, Luis is shocked to discover it is not the same woman as in the photograph he was sent. Explaining she wanted to be loved for more than her beauty, hot-blooded Julia (Angelina Jolie) quickly wins Luis' heart and settles in to life as a rich man's wife. But all is not as it seems and soon Luis is left wondering who he has really married; a dramatic series of deceptions and double-crosses follows.
but I have to rate this movie as average. The next day I thought it really wasn't worth staying up late for. I thought it was more a showcase for Angelina Jolie....the movie seemed to be more about her beauty than anything else. It lacked continuity. It seemed to just go from one scene to the next. I don't know that much about the business but from an outsider's point of view, I would say the actors were really good, (Jolie and Banderas) but the direction and production were lacking. Not one of those movies that I will keep. I just turned around and resold it to somebody else.
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