The House of the Spirits (1993)

A rancher, his clairvoyant wife and their family face turbulent years in South America in this adaptation of Isabel Allende's best-seller.

Director:

Bille August

Writers:

Isabel Allende (novel), Bille August

Stars:

Jeremy Irons, Meryl Streep, Maria Conchita Alonso

12 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Maria Conchita Alonso	...	Tránsito
António Assunção	...	Man at Cattlemarket (as António Assumpção)
Julie Balloo	...	Young Lady
Frank Baker	...	Intelligence Officer
Antonio Banderas	...	Pedro Tercero Garcia
João Cabral	...	Soldier
Carlos César	...	Ambassador's Driver
Sarita Choudhury	...	Pancha
Rogério Claro	...	Man in Club
Edith Clement	...	Midwife
Glenn Close	...	Ferula
Miriam Colon	...	Nana
Oscar A. Colon	...	Sheriff
Franco Diogent	...	Man at the Party (as Franco Diogene)
Pedro Efe	...	Interrogation Officer

Storyline

Chile, second half of the 20th century. The poor Esteban marries Clara and they get a daughter, Blanca. Esteban works hard and eventually gets money to buy a hacienda, eventually to become a local patriarch. He becomes very conservative and is feared by his workers. When Blanca grows up, she falls in love with a young revolutionary, Pedro, who urges the workers to fight for socialism. It is unavoidable that Pedro and Esteban are pitted against each other. Esteban tries to stop the love affair between Pedro and his daughter by all means possible but soon Blanca becomes pregnant and has a daughter. The void between father and daughter seems unbridgeable when Blanca moves in with Pedro.

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Plot Keywords:

patriarch | chilean coup d'etat | oppression | family saga | class conflict | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexuality, and for violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kim Basinger and Julia Roberts turned down the role of Blanca.

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Goofs

The Chilean army of the 1973 is depicted using the wrong equipment such as G3 rifles, M48 tanks, and Fiat G91 aircrafts. The correct weapons would be FAL rifles, M4 Sherman medium tanks, and either Hawker Hunter or F-80 Shooting Star aircrafts.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Esteban Trueba: It's good to be back.

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Alternate Versions

In France, the opening sequence of the movie is really different than in other countries. The movie is approx. 10 minutes shorter that the other versions

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Connections

References The Elephant Man (1980)

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Soundtracks

Chant Funéraire, op. 117
(uncredited)
Composed by Gabriel Fauré
Performed by La Musique des gardiens de la paix
Published by Durand S.A. Editions Musicales
Courtesy of Arpège S.a.r.l.

User Reviews

epic romantic saga

this film has spirit, hope and courage. a love story spanning three generations, dealing with mystic experiences, cruel ambition and selfless devotion. wonderfully moving performances by entire cast. irons plays a powerful fool who's lost his humanity, but not his desire to love. streep is wonderful as a woman who is a bridge between life and spirit. close is moving as a woman who denied her own desires tending first her mother, then her brother. rider blossoms with courage and passion for banderas who is fine as revolutionist. do not attempt to watch this film--feel it, experience it, open your heart to it's romantic and passionate tale. allow it charm you and take you back to timeless story telling of hope and disappointment and cruel injustice and forgiveness. it's clear that this piece is a collective gift of love from all involved to all whom are willing to be transported to romance, to spiritual connections, to love strong enough to reach beyond death.

Details

Country:

Portugal Germany Denmark USA France

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

1 April 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

The House of the Spirits

Filming Locations:

Cabo Espichel, Portugal

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,719,085, 3 April 1994

Gross USA:

$6,265,311

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,265,311

Company Credits

Production Co:

Constantin Film, Costa do Castelo Filmes, Det Danske Filminstitut

Technical Specs

Runtime:

140 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1