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Kiss of the Spider Woman

6.9

3,754

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Original title

O Beijo da Mulher Aranha (Kiss of the Spider Woman)

Year

1985

Running time

119 min.

Country

Brazil

Director

Héctor Babenco

Screenwriter

Leonard Schrader. Novel: Manuel Puig

Cast

Music

John Neschling

Cinematography

Rodolfo Sánchez

Producer

Co-production Brazil-United States;

HB Filmes, FilmDallas Pictures

Genre

Drama | Prison Drama. Gay & Lesbian. Friendship

Movie Groups

Manuel Puig Adaptations

Synopsis

Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Luis, a homosexual, is found guilty of immoral behaviour and Valentin is a political prisoner. To escape reality Luis invents romantic movies, while Valentin tries to keep his mind on the situation he's in.

Rankings Position

#24 Best Brazilian Movies of all time

Awards: 1985: Oscar: Best Actor (William Hurt). 4 Nominations

1985: Golden Globes: 4 Nominations, including Best Picture

1985: Cannes Film Festival: Best Actor (William Hurt)

1985: BAFTA: Best Actor (William Hurt)

1985: David di Donatello Awards: Best Foreign Actor (William Hurt)

1985: New York Film Critics Circle: Nominated for Best Actor (William Hurt)

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Critics' reviews

"[It] has a theme that endures throughout all its various incarnations: that of human dignity and compassion surviving within a society that denies it."

Jeremiah Kipp: Slant
"A fascinating character study (...) Kiss of the Spider Woman has lost none of its power over the years."

James Berardinelli: ReelViews
"'Kiss of the Spider Woman' tells one of those rare and entrancing stories where one thing seems to happen while another thing is really happening (...) Rating: ★★★½ (out of 4)"

Roger Ebert: Chicago Sun-Times
"A deeply conservative movie, both in style and outlook. Worse, it's a bore"

Paul Attanasio: The Washington Post
"One of the most intriguing prison dramas ever put on film."

Michael Wilmington: Chicago Tribune

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Kiss of the Spider Woman

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