Search - Camila on DVD

Camila: More Than a Chick Flick

David Rapoport | Allentown, Pa | 12/20/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before watching with movie, I had the impression that it was a chick flick, but in the end, I disagree with that statement. I thought it was an extremely well done movie that deserves more credit than just some romantic "chick flick." It is a loosely based story of Camila O'Gorman, an Argentinan aristocrat who dreams of true love, a husband that she can be proud of, and a future companion with more than a respectable name and bank account. She finds this dream in a Jesuit priest, father Ladislao, whom eventually admits his love and escapes with Camila. The two become hunted fugatives, criminals of sacrilege, and outcasts of the upper class. Though Ladislao has trouble dividing his love between Camila and God, they share a powerful bond that cannot be broken; it's stronger than any government, social codes, or weapons. At times it was slow moving, and romantic, but it wasn't a "cheesy" romance. I believed what was on screen rather than laughed at it."

Romance and tragedy

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 08/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Set in 1847 in the midst of political turmoil in Argentina, this exquisite film is based on an actual event. It's the most romantic film I've ever seen, and after all these years of watching it, still moves me to tears. The cinematography is wonderful, and it's beautifully acted by all. The stars, Susu Pecoraro and Imanol Arias are fabulous, lovely to look at, and the erotic chemistry between them makes this story very believable. The scene in the belfry ! Ladislao:"What am I going to do with you ! " Camila: "Anything you want". sounds cliche, except it's between a priest and a socialite, and what happens after that will move you and amaze you. This is an unforgettable film."

Camila and Argentine politics

S. Ashley Kistler | Philadelphia, PA | 12/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Camila is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. Not only is it the expressive and artistic representation of forbidden love during a time of great political turmoil, but it is also very representative of Argentine culture and politics. Through the punishment of Camila and Ladislao ordered by Rosas and carried out by "los federales," the audience sees the power and force of Rosas' government. It is very obvious how Rosas controls the lives of all Argentine people and forces them to follow his rules and beliefs. The film's tragic ending presents a critique of Rosas government as an overly harsh and unnecessary force in Argentine history. The release of this movie in the early 1980s along with other movies such as The Official Story, and Man facing Southeast, represented the new-found political and artistic freedom of Argentina. As it became a democracy in 1984, Argentina was free for the first time in its history to present new and controversial ideas about politics or about life in general that varied from conventional thought. Camila is an absolute masterpiece, combining love, history, politics, violence and tragedy in one amazing film. I give it the highest praise, and recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Latin American history or who is a true romantic at heart."

Amor Prohibido

Brandy Navurskis | Melrose Park, Illinois | 04/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film was excellent! I guess I am saying that becaue I am a true hopeless romantic and I fall for movies that contain romance and forbidden love as well. This film represents the patriarchal system and how it interferes with people's lives. Camila is a young women and Ladislou is a priest. Their love affiar is forbidden in the eyes of the church, family and government. However, they both follow their hearts in order to stay together. In return they go against the patriarchal system and are followed. It is important to note that the director María Luisa Bemeberg has a major influence on this film. She uses her own experiences and feminine nature to produe such films as Camila, or Yo la peor de todos. She is a great director and made this film attract a lot of viewers attention. I think it is important to mention that if this film were to be told by a man, then there would be different interpretations and the story about CAmila and Ladislou may be inaccurate. Overall, I loved the film!"