Camila

This melodrama directed by Maria Luisa Bemberg is a story of a passionate woman who wants nothing more than to pursue her desire for love and life. The movie shows the audience the importance of the church and social classes and enables us to view the attitudes and emotions of people living during the dictatorship of Juan Manuel de Rosas. However, it is evident that Bemberg has a slight bias in that the movie is seen through the eyes of Camila O'Gorman. This film is a wonderful example of how the movies intend to manipulate the viewer, allowing Camila to have all the rights and giving none to Rosas is rather biased. The film strongly emphasizes the dictatorship of Rosas and the viewer is given the opportunity to see the profundity and power of this dictator.

"Camila" is a love story that is based on true events. It is a unique movie in that it draws the audience to it with the promise of passion, but it keeps the audience intrigued with its historical representation of Rosas' Argentina. The forbidden love affair between Camila, the daughter of a wealthy land owner, and Ladislao, a young priest, is defeated by the intensity of Argentina's patriarchal society. Maria Luisa Bemberg's presentation of the power of Rosas' regime is historically accurate, as is her depiction of the passion and independence of Camila.

A former friend of mine, who was very much into foreign films, "accidentally" rented this movie for both of us to watch after the dissolution of my relationship with a Jesuit, in 1999. Perhaps she was trying to assure me that I was better off now, because I would not be shot by a firing squad for having slept with a priest? Never mind that I was being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder and was suffering through nightmares of Jesuits trying to murder me and make it look like suicide. After watching this movie, I was left numb and freaked-out by the residual irrational feeling that Camila might have been me in a former life?

Nine years later, I'm more able to assess the movie apart from my own experience of the Catholic priesthood and its extremely misogynistic tendencies. I admire Camila for having had a strong mind and will of her own, but I would tell her or any other woman involved with a priest that these men just aren't worth our sacrifice of self for their sakes, much less martyrdom.

I would recommend this movie for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, it gives a clear impression of what life was like in Argentina at this time. The power that the government, Rosas, had over the people is mind boggling. The fact that a father could be brainwashed enough to choose the government over the life of his own daughter is sickening! This just illustrates the power and backwardness of Rosas' dictatorship. I also enjoyed this movie for the romantic aspect of the story. It kept you in suspense, while you routed for the couple's escape to happiness. The moving ending of the film leaves you with much to think about.

During the 1800s in Argentina, an oppressive dictator named Rosas rules the country with an iron fist. Everyone must wear a red ribbon to show their loyalty to the man while certain books are banned, among other decrees. A beautiful young lady named Camila has been born into a wealthy family. She is free-spirited and finds the dictators rules are oppressive. Secretly, she borrows risque books from the shopkeeper. By chance, her parish gets a new priest named Ladislao, quite handsome and dedicated. It's almost love at first sight, with the priest trying everything to avoid his feelings. Even when the book seller is executed for circulating banned books, Camila is undeterred. Therefore, the couple secretly elopes and moves to a rural area far from Buenos Aires. But, Rosas orders his soldiers to find them. Will they be discovered? This gorgeous film has sumptuous sets, costumes, and photography. The two stars are incredibly handsome and touching while the horrors of dictatorship are made manifest. Even if you dislike subtitles you won't want to miss Camila. Just have a bucket handy for your tears.