Frida

- Film: “Frida”
- Director: Julie Taymor
- Author: Clancy Sigal, Diane Lake, Gregory Nava, Anna Thomas.
- Genre: Drama
- Cast: Salma Hayek (Frida Kahlo), Alfred Molina (Diego Rivera), Geoffrey Rush (León Trotsky), Mía Maestro (Cristina Kahlo)

- Review:

“Frida” tells the story of the most talented artist of all times: Frida Kahlo. Interestingly, the film is set in 1922. Therefore, it covers thirty-two years of Kahlo's life from age 15 to her death at age 47. As might have been expected, it provides viewers with an appropriate representation of the most important turning-points in the artist’s life. As a matter of fact, at first, the film shows clearly the dangerous accident, which she suffers at the age of eighteen. As a consequence, Frida (Salma Hayek) is seriously injured, as a metal handrail pierces her body. In the following years, she undergoes thirty-two major operations and suffers enormous pain for the rest of her life. Fortunately, she derives great pleasure for painting, as it serves two useful purposes: that of allowing her to give vent to her imagination and that of helping her to express her feelings. Moreover, Frida gets married with Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina), a famous muralist. They have a stormy relationship. Actually, Rivera is often unfaithful and even has an affair with Cristina (Mía Maestro), Frida’s younger sister. However, Frida also has extramarital affairs, including one with Leon Trotsky (Geoffrey Rush), the Russian Leader. To add insult to injury, Frida is never able to have children, aspect which devastates her. In a word, her life is a complete mixture of sadness and extreme pain, which allows Frida to develop that special flair for painting.
In general, I believe wholeheartedly that the film in question is profoundly moving, as well as gripping. Furthermore, both actors and actresses offer viewers particularly memorable performances, since it is clear how they get actively involved in Frida’s biography. However, if I had to choose one performance, I would definitely select Salma Hayek’s, which is regarded as outstanding. Last but not least, I would like to point out the sophisticated and realistic make-up and costume-designing, the appropriate representation of Mexican customs and traditions and the importance of Frida’s most famous paintings, such as “Frida and Diego Rivera” (1931) and “Roots” (1943).
On the whole, I believe firmly that “Frida” is a remarkable movie, with an absolutely touching plot, where TRANSGRESSION, TALENT, SEDUCTION and PAIN play a crucial role. In fact, "The real Frida Kahlo" set an example in life and taught all her fans that it is possible to keep on trying against all odds.


- Student name: Lucía Belén Queizán.
- Class: 5º humanístico.