Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)

Adapted by Leonard Schrader from the Manuel Puig novel of the same name, 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' is a great film, that has almost everything working for it. Héctor Babenco has directed the film with flourish, and William Hurt's performance as a jailed homosexual is simply exemplary!

'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' is about 2 inmates, their journey through those unforgiving cells and violence. And how they begin to respect each other and how they seek for freedom.

'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' is dark and gritty in nature, but beneath all that, it's the story of 2 people. And the adapted Screenplay does full justice to it's characters. Héctor Babenco's direction, as mentioned, has come out with flying colors.

As said, William Hurt's performance as a jailed homosexual is simply exemplary. He got all the respect by winning Awards. I personally salute Hurt for his work here. Sonia Braga as Spider Woman does a good job. Raúl Juliá is another actor who leaves a mark.

On the whole, 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' is a winner all the way. Very Strongly Reccmended! Two Thumbs Up!

Fmovies: in essence this movie is about two men sharing a prison cell in a Brazil,one a homosexual,one a political prisoner.each has his own way of dealing with the situation they're in.eventually they begin to understand each other and bond.that isn't the whole story of course.this was quote a compelling an d moving film in my opinion.Raul Julia and William Hurt play the the two cell mates and both deliver powerful performances.it's a testament to the strong writing and the direction that a movie that essentially takes place in one setting(a jail cell)for the bulk of the running time can be so compelling.if you're expecting a fast paced action packed movie though,look elsewhere.this one is all about the story and the characters.for me,Kiss of the Spider Woman is an 8/10

Babenco's, Kiss of the Spider woman, is one of many forgotten master pieces. Forgotten simply because it's themes, content and style is still too obscure even by todays standards. The movie is a rich myriad of imagery, poetics and emotions which all become thicker and more complex as the movie unfolds.

On the surface, Kiss of the Spider woman, appears as a prison thriller. However what differentiates this movie from other movies of it's genre, is the emotional questions that the movies raises. The movie is a study of moral rights in the modern world. In this movie the two leads are forced to evaluate themselves and rationalise their feelings with one another, this is shown in the way the movie contrasts the politics of the free thinking individual; that being revolution, individual rights of man, people forcing change, with the prejudices of modern society, mainly the modern day fear of homosexuality.

Stylistically the movie is also outstanding, taking an unconventional narrative that mixes the 'dream' with the 'real'. The character of Valentin represents the modern day hero, with his idealism and dreams of change. Where as the character of Luis represents the failed dreams of the individual and the longing for fulfilment.

The Nazi movie that is intertwined within the story, should also merit a comment, as it is through this sub plot where the story is able to ensnare it's audience into a labyrinth like world within a fictitious/mythological past within thirties Europe. The black and white movie, within the movie, 'The kiss of the Spider woman' serves as a continuous reminder of the power of the dream world with that of our everyday reality.

The eighties was a bizarre time for art, there was the prevailing sense of change in the air. With the Cold War coming to an end, there was the popular belief of a new world emerging from the lesson learnt from two world wars. This movie, 'The Kiss of the Spider woman', serves as a cautious warning that mans is a nostalgic yet forgetful beast and that hope of change and the dream of freedom, within a society that is not yet ready to take on all of the social/political dynamics of freedom, remains nothing but a failed romance.

A worthy classic. A movie experience that anyone who loves cinema or is interested in a study of humanity should seek out..

Kiss of the Spider Woman fmovies. The first time I saw this movie it had just been released. The theater was packed and my wife and I ended up sitting in the front row on a wing. I hated the movie. I couldn't understand what all the hoopla was about and it just didn't sit well. My wife and I discussed the movie after wards and she couldn't believe I didn't like it. She liked it a lot. After discussing it I agreed to see it again and not sit in the front row. I quickly discovered I was wrong about the movie. William Hurt and Raul Julia are outstanding. This movie resonated on many different levels that it's hard to describe. The friendship between the two main characters was absolute regardless of their present unfortunate situation. They are two ordinary people thrown together by fate in an extremely difficult situation and they make the best of it. The conflicts going on around them would destroy lesser men. Their reality is bleak, at best, and they find a way to survive. Powerful performances at every level are the order of the day. Sonja Braga is a delightful distraction as real as any fantasy. I can't wait for this movie to come out on DVD!

"Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a fine portrayal of how two completely different men can come to understand one another and how unselfish love can transcend sexual preference. The story slowly reveals itself as the movie progresses, and in the end,the film is about much more than is first apparent. I admired the gutsy performances by Hurt and Julia, and the direction by Brazilian Hector Babenco, who uses long, involved shots, instead of cutting away quickly (which, unfortunately, is used so often). The film hasn't remained very well known since it was released in 1985, but it is definitely worth seeing if you can find it. 8/10

In a Brazilian prison cell, there is two different people shares an cell. A homosexual man named Luis Molina (Oscar-Winner:William Hurt) is in prison for having sex with a minor and Valentin Arregui (The late Raul Julia) is a political prisoner for the revolutionary group. Which Valentin is been tortured by the prison guards for searching any answering for his political views. Luis keeps his spirit alive by telling old tacky Hollywood movies by past the day, although it entertains Valentin somewhat. As the two prisoners get to know each other, the more Valentin opens up to Luis. But Luis is hoping to get his prison time reduce, if he tells the prison warden (José Lewgoy) some of Valentin's secrets. While Luis is slowly falling in love with Valentin.

Directed by Hector Babenco (At Play in the Fields of the Lord, Ironweed) made an intriguing drama that mixes romance, fantasy and comedy quite well. Hurt won an Oscar for his superb three-dimensional performance. The late Julia is also terrific. While Sonia Braga is amusing in three different roles, which two of the roles are in Luis' tales. This is unique movie that is surprisingly fast-paced and quite moving at times. The movie was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapated Screenplay by the late Leonard Schrader (Blue Collar, Naked Tango, The Yakuza) and Best Director.

The DVD is the two-disc set. Disc One has an good anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an fine digitally remastered:Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (Also in the original Mono sound). Disc One also includes an trivia track in English and Spanish. Disc Two includes an fascinating documentary with the cast & the crew that runs 108 minutes. Disc Two also includes three featurettes, photo galleries and more. "Kiss of the Spider Woman" was an daring movie back in the 1980's, it is certainly much less controversial feature today. Still, the movie has its charms, thanks to Hurt's lovely performance and the late Julia's strong role. Based on a novel by the late Miguel Puig. (****/*****).