Gabriela (2001)

Director:

Vincent Jay Miller

Writer:

Vincent Jay Miller (writer)

Release Date:

14 February 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Romance

Plot:

Mike is romantic and persistent, a social worker at a psychiatric clinic who falls for a new intern...

Plot Keywords:

Beautiful Woman | Character Name In Title

Cast

Jaime Gomez	...	Mike
Seidy Lopez	...	Gabriela
Zach Galligan	...	Pat
Troy Winbush	...	Douglas
Lupe Ontiveros	...	Grandma Josie
Stacy Haiduk	...	Ilona
Evelina Fernández	...	Sofia
Frank Medrano	...	Manny
Sal Lopez	...	Cop #2
Steve Valentine	...	Steven
Danny De La Paz	...	Cop #1
Liz Torres	...	Julia
Lamont Bentley	...	Nick
Patrick Rowe	...	Gary
Gilbert Garcia	...	Transvestite

MPAA:

Rated R for language and some sexuality.

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Singapore:R21 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Grindstone Pictures

Great Love Story with Humor and Wit

"Gabriela" is a great love story with intense emotion and also a lot of humor. This movie is in the tradition of great love stories like "Moonstuck", "Pretty Woman" and "Jerry McGuire". I can't tell you how long it's been since I saw a romantic film that I liked as much as this one (and I see lots of movies). I like the sense of reality of the situation, which involves a love triangle, with very believable people.

The movie is a joy to watch for many reasons, ranging from the great acting, to beautiful lighting. This is an independent movie that glimmers and shines. It has none of the cynical smugness of some of the so-called independent movies I have seen in the past few years. It has none of the sick and twisted weirdness of some of the other indie films that have been out lately. There is also a lot of humor in the movie as well. "Gabriela" is a good, engaging movie.

The story has a rich setting with great characters. The setting is unusual for a love story, since the main characters work as social workers at a mental health clinic. The patients are going through real issues as the main characters fall in love. Friends and relatives try to interfere with the lovers at every step of the way. They present a number of points of view about love and relations which give the film a great context that is usually missing in the garbage usually passed off as a Hollywood love story.

Jaime Gomez and Seidy Lopez create excitement on the screen while they deal with real human emotions. Gomez plays a tough but sensitive leading man (not a wimpy indie lead). Seidy plays a softer, more sensitive role than usual and is breathtaking as Gabriela. It was a pleasure to see some of my favorite actors appear as memorable characters. Lupe Ontoveros was a joy to watch as Gabriela's frantic grandmother. Lemont Bently shines as a mental patient.

While this movie is a quality film, it is very entertaining, every step of the way. I will definitely see this movie again.