Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
- Starring:
- William Hurt, Raul Julia, (more)
- Director(s):
- Hector Babenco
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R
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Political prisoner Valentin Arregui (Raul Julia) and homosexual pederast Luis Molina (William Hurt) share a Brazilian prison cell in this fantastical drama from the book by Manuel Puig. Sensitive and flamboyant, Molina helps pass the time by recounting memories from one of his favorite films, a wartime romantic thriller that just may also be a Nazi propaganda film. He weaves the characters into an ongoing narrative meant to spur Valentin's imagination and distract him from the brutal realities of political imprisonment and separation from the woman he loves. Hard around the edges, and willing to die for his political principles, Valentin nonetheless allows Molina to penetrate some of his defensive shell. An odd friendship forms between the two vastly different prisoners, the dreamer and the activist. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Valentin is being poisoned by his captors, to compel him to reveal names and secrets, and that Molina may have other agendas that belie his honesty and openness with Valentin. The intense character study builds toward a surprising conclusion. Kiss of the Spider Woman received Oscar nominations for best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay, and Hurt took home the best actor trophy for his portrayal of the soulful and conflicted Molina. The film was later adapted into a Broadway musical. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide
Complete Cast:
- William Hurt - Luis Molina
- Sonia Braga - Leni Lamaison
- Nuno Leal Maia - Gabriel
- Milton Goncalves - Secret Police
- Herson Capri - Werner
- Benjamin Cattan - Molina's Friend
- Luis Roberto Galizia - Nurse
- Wilson Grey - Flunky
- Carlos Fariello - Jewish Smuggler
- Miriam Pires - Mother
- Walter Breda - Agent
- Denise Dummont - Michelle
- Claudio Curi - Molina's Friend
- Pericles Campos - Prison Guard
- Edmilson Santos - Prison Guard
- Fernando Torres - Americo
- Georges Schlesinger - Jewish Smuggler
- Lineu Dias - Bank Cashier
- Joe Kantor - Judge
- Raul Julia - Valentin Arregui
- Jose Lewgoy - Warden
- Antonio Petrim - Clubfoot
- Patricio Bisso - Greta
- Walmir Barros - Agent
- Miguel Falabella - Lieutenant
- Paulo Ludmer - Rabbi
- Nildo Parente - Leader of Resistance
- Oswaldo Barreto - Molina's Friend
- Luis Serra - Prison Doctor
- Elvira Bisso - Maid
- Frederico Botelho - Jewish Smuggler
- Kenichi Kaneko - Prison Guard
- Ana Maria Braga - Lidia
- Luis Guilherme - Agent
- Walter Vicca - Prison Guard
- Sylvio Band - Rabbi
- Sergio Bright - Molina's Friend
- Director(s):
- Hector Babenco
- Writer(s):
- Leonard Schrader
- Producer(s):
- David Weisman, Francisco Ramalho, Jr.
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R(Adult Situations, Adult Language, Not For Children, Violence, Profanity)
- Closed Captioning:
- Check All Versions
- Subtitles:
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- 1985 - Kiss of the Spider Woman - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actor
- 1985 - Kiss of the Spider Woman - Independent Spirit Awards - Best Foreign Film
- 1985 - Kiss of the Spider Woman - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actor
- 1985 - Kiss of the Spider Woman - National Board of Review - Best Actor
- 1985 - Kiss of the Spider Woman - National Board of Review - Best Actor
