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5.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Doña Francisquita remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like your movies feeling like a stage play that decided to wander outside, you’ll probably have a good time here. It’s light, it’s musical, and it’s very 1930s. If you need tight pacing or a story that doesn't rely on people misunderstanding each other for an hour, steer clear. Seriously, the amount of 'I thought you meant me, but you meant her' is enough to make your head spin.
There’s this one moment where Francisquita is trying so hard to make Fernando jealous by flirting with an older guy, and you can just feel the desperation. It’s kind of funny, but also kinda sad if you think about it too much. She’s really putting in the work.
The whole thing has a bit of that Summertime vibe where the setting is almost a character itself, though much more focused on the theater crowd. It reminded me a bit of the frantic energy in The Magician, just with more singing and less existential dread.
It’s not trying to be The Robber or anything remotely serious. It’s just fluff, really. And sometimes, you just need a bit of fluff.
The lead actress, Raquel Rodrigo, is doing a lot of heavy lifting. She’s got this look on her face like she’s constantly calculating her next move, which is way more interesting than the guys running around acting like poets. She carries the screen even when the script is clearly struggling to keep up with the songs.
Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it a fun watch for a rainy Sunday? Probably. Just don't expect it to change your life or anything. 🎭