Real Women Have Curves

In a way this film reminded me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding or East is East. Yet if these two are comedies Curves concentrates on the characters and their relations with each others. The main character is Anna, an 18 years old who respects herself and wants control of her own life. She?s also a bit ?full figured?- that?s where you get the title from. On the other hand Carmen (Anna?s mother) was brought up to respect the ?family values?, these basically meaning that the junior members must obey, and individual ambitions or needs are evil.

When Anna?s teacher suggests that Anna should go to college all Carmen sees in it is a direct attack on the values that make her everything she is (the top of the family hierarchy). She responds that Anna wants to work at her sister?s factory, which is of course Carmen?s and not Anna?s wish. The confrontation is inevitable and although its outcome is predictable what makes Curves a great film is the way the characters are revealed as this confrontation escalates. Watch for example how Carmen insults Anna pretty much for everything and in front of everyone- it?s all about re-establishing her authority as a mother. During the confrontation Anna matures in more than one ways- but if I say more I?ll only spoil it.

The acting is excellent and the plot is so engaging that you?re going to forget that it?s just a film. Real Women Have Curves is truly great and you have to watch it for yourselves to appreciate it. Oh, and stay for the credits at the end.