Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the union of classic Spanish farce and Doris Day-Rock Hudson era glamour. Feast your eyes on this candy-colored, breezily entertaining screwball comedy that tackles the issue of same-sex marriage with clever one-liners and impeccable timing...not to mention fabulous interior decorations. Top it all off with a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble cast, and the result is a royal treat that belongs in Spanish movie heaven.
Made before the landmark 2005 decision that allows gays and lesbians to legally wed in Spain, Reinas imagines the country's first mass same-sex wedding as a cheerfully overhyped media circus full of pre-nuptial jitters and clashing egos.
Upscale hotelier Magda (Carmen Maura, Almodóvar muse #1), who has agreed to host the event at her five-star establishment, faces a possible labor strike from her kitchen staff. Magda's son Miguel reluctantly agrees to have future mother-in-law Ofelia (scene-stealing Betiana Blum) stay at his posh apartment, but a furry surprise threatens to sabotage his relationship with hunky fitness trainer Óscar (Argentinean rising star Daniel Hendler). Meanwhile, superstar Reyes (Marisa Paredes, Almodóvar muse #2) can't bring herself to accept the fact that her son Rafael is marrying Jonás, her gardener's first-born. Her misgivings, however, are nothing compared with the thinly veiled prejudice respected judge Helena (Mercedes Samprieto) feels towards Narciso, her activist son-in-law-to-be. Narciso's mom, recovering nympho Nuria (Verónica Forqué, Almodóvar muse #3), is trying to earn his respect, but will she be able to stay on the wagon without her therapist?
Not only does director Manuel Gómez Pereira manage to juggle the multiple roundelays with effortless ease; he also combines the zest of his earlier work (Boca a boca, Between Your Legs) with a newfound sophistication that makes for a perfect marriage of mainstream and risqué. Best of all, he shows that when it comes to happily ever after, it's best to just stand back and let the divas save the day. In Spanish with English subtitles
Director Manuel Gómez Pereira will attend the screening to discuss the film with the audience.
Manuel Gomez-Pereira was born in Madrid, Spain in 1953. His films include Salsa Rosa (1991) Why do they call it love when they mean sex (1992), Boca a Boca (1995), Love Can Seriously Damage your health (1996), Between your Legs (1999), and Cosas que hacen que la vida valga la pena (2004). Nominated for several GOYA awards, he won for Best Screenplay for Todo Los Hombres Son Iguales (1994).
7:30 pm Opening Night & Film Screening + Opening Night Party presented by Karu & Y @ The Space Miami -
$126 non-members/$121 members ($1 from each ticket sold goes to Gusman Restoration Fund) - BUY TICKETS
7:30 pm Opening Night & Film Screening Only $26 members/$21 members
($1 from each ticket sold goes to Gusman Restoration Fund) - BUY TICKETS
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