Review of Real Women Have Curves

I did like this film. It was a strong character driven story. The relationships with the women were very compelling. I could believe what I was seeing on screen for the most part and was able to start caring in what was happening from the beginning. I enjoyed the back and forth with Ana and her mother. I don't think it was over done in the telling of it. I heard in the director's commentary that the director was worried that the mother might have been played too heavy handed, but I think it work out fairly well.

I particularly cared for the unresolved conclusions at the end of the picture, it was refreshing in how no punches were pulled. I think it was a very brave move. Overall all the women roles were strong, where the story suffered was the male roles were a little weak, everyone except the male teacher could have been played better. The dialogue with the boyfriend felt empty and wanting, there was no chemistry there or even a curious connection. The thought that anything happened there leaps a great chasm of disbelief. As far as the father and grandfather were concerned I thought that they were merely place holders. And sadly so because I felt nothing. The film never fleshed that relationship out and likewise was insufficient reason for Ana to stay in LA. This was a major flaw in the story, the fact that there were not enough reasons why Ana should stay where she was.