Kiss Of The Spider Woman
ICRA - Independent Cinema Restoration Archive (1985)
Drama, Queer Themes/Interest
In Collection
#559
8*
Seen ItYes
(4/6/2020 Home)
191091061114
IMDB   7.4
119 mins Brazil / English
DVD  Region 1
William Hurt Luis Molina
Raul Julia Valentin Arregui
Sonia Braga Leni Lamaison / Marta / Spider Woman
Denise Dumont Michelle
Walmir Barros Agente
Patricio Bisso Greta
Walter Breda Agente
Herson Capri Werner
Benjamin Cattan Molina's Friend
Miguel Falabella Lieutenant
Wilson Grey Flunky
Luis Guilherme Agente
José Lewgoy Warden
Nuno Leal Maia Gabriel
Ana Maria Braga Lidia
Luiz Serra Prison Doctor
Fernando Torres Americo
Jose Lewgoy Warden
Milton Gonçalves Secret Policeman
Nildo Parente Líder de la Resistencia
Míriam Pires Mother Molina
Antônio Petrin Clubfoot
Denise Dummont
Joe KANTOR Juez
Milton Gonsalves Secret Policeman
Mariam Pires Mother
Director
Hector Babenco
Producer Hector Babenco
David Weisman
Writer/Composer Leonard Schrader
Manuel Puig
Cinematography Rodolfo Sánchez
Music John Neschling
Nando CORDEIRO
Nando Carneiro


Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Luis, a homosexual, is found guilty of immoral behaviour and Valentin is a political prisoner. To escape reality Luis invents romantic movies, while Valentin tries to keep his mind on the situation he's in. During the time they spend together, the two men come to understand and respect one another.
Edition Details
Edition 25 Anniversary - ICRA - Independent Cinema Restoration Archive
Release Date 2010
No. of Discs/Tapes 1
Personal Details
Purchase Date 3/23/2020
Location Personal Library
Owner Deitz
Store Amazon
Purchase Price $14.11
Condition New
Order Order# 111-6981650-8658642
Tags heritage
Links +3½/4 Review: Roger Ebert (August 09, 1985)
++ Review: Cinema Queer (Michael D. Klemm)
+ Review: NY Times (Janet Maslin July 26, 1985)
Kiss of the Spider Woman at Core for Movies
IMDB
TheMovieDb.org
Rotten Tomatoes
References
Lists ‡ 50 Outstanding GLBT-Themed Films by Jim Clark, ‡ 175 Essential Films for GLBT Viewers from Advocate (6/23/2014), ‡ Rotten Tomatoes: 200 Best LGBT Movies of All Time
Festivals & Awards Academy Awards 58th (1985)
Rotten Critics Rating % (2021) 87
Rotten Best Queer #1-200 (2021) 118

Notes
Richard claims that we saw this film when first released in the mid-1980's. I have no recollection of it. I have known for a long time of this film as an IMPORTANT film in the queer film lexicon. Finally, in this era of covid-19 social isolation got around to viewing it. It is indeed a wonderful film. Reading the critics' reviews are well worth while -especially Roger Ebert's. Hurt's and Julia's performances were a shear delight. Hurt received an Academy Award: Best Actor in a Leading Role (1985). Hurt's Best Actor Oscar was the first Academy Award won by an actor for playing an openly gay character. Hurt is also seen in drag in this movie, the Oscar win being a rare occasion in which an Oscar for acting has been won with an actor in drag.
+3½/4 Review: Roger Ebert (August 09, 1985)
++ Review: Cinema Queer (Michael D. Klemm)
+ Review: NY Times (Janet Maslin July 26, 1985)
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