The Holy Girl (2004)

The Holy Girl (2004)
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Lucrecia Martel directed this potent drama of love, sex, misunderstanding, and coming-of-age. Amalia (María Alche) is a girl edging into her early teens who has begun to ripen into adulthood. Amalia lives in a big hotel owned and operated by her divorced mother, Helena (Mercedes Morán), and her uncle Freddy (Alejandro Urdapilleta). Amalia and her best friend, Josefina (Julieta Zylberberg), are becoming increasingly aware of their own desires and are curious about sex, but between their Catholic education and Helena's unwillingness to discuss such matters with her daughter, their speculation outstrips their actual knowledge. A convention for medical workers brings Dr. Jano (Carlos Belloso) and a number of his colleagues to the hotel. Emboldened by the festive atmosphere, the timid doctor presses his body up against Amalia's, unaware of her age. The married Dr. Jano is embarrassed by his actions and troubled by his strong attraction to Helena; Amalia, meanwhile, is convinced the doctor has become overcome with unholy lust, and she and Josefina take it upon themselves to save him from himself before it is too late. La Niña Santa (aka The Holy Child) was produced in part by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

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Starring:
Mercedes MoránCarlos Belloso, (more)
Director(s):
Lucrecia Martel
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD,  (View All Versions)
 

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Synopsis of The Holy Girl

Lucrecia Martel directed this potent drama of love, sex, misunderstanding, and coming-of-age. Amalia (María Alche) is a girl edging into her early teens who has begun to ripen into adulthood. Amalia lives in a big hotel owned and operated by her divorced mother, Helena (Mercedes Morán), and her uncle Freddy (Alejandro Urdapilleta). Amalia and her best friend, Josefina (Julieta Zylberberg), are becoming increasingly aware of their own desires and are curious about sex, but between their Catholic education and Helena's unwillingness to discuss such matters with her daughter, their speculation outstrips their actual knowledge. A convention for medical workers brings Dr. Jano (Carlos Belloso) and a number of his colleagues to the hotel. Emboldened by the festive atmosphere, the timid doctor presses his body up against Amalia's, unaware of her age. The married Dr. Jano is embarrassed by his actions and troubled by his strong attraction to Helena; Amalia, meanwhile, is convinced the doctor has become overcome with unholy lust, and she and Josefina take it upon themselves to save him from himself before it is too late. La Niña Santa (aka The Holy Child) was produced in part by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
104 mins

Complete Cast of The Holy Girl


Director(s):
Lucrecia Martel
Writer(s):
Lucrecia Martel
Producer(s):
Lita Stantic
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Brief Nudity, Sexual Situations)
Categories:
DramaIndependent FilmsForeign
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews (8)

 
Kristen C.

I've watched many subtitled films, but never has one left me so bewildered. Just keeping the endless, minor characters straight was a chore. The film, at its core, chronicles Amalia's pubescent journey through a week in a very dingy, aesthetically boring hotel. After she is molested by a man (whom her mother later begins dating), Amalia begins seeking out more of his sexual favors. Her reasons for doing so are never clarified beyond her vague assertions that she has found her spiritual "vocation" in this man. Perhaps much of the film's strength was lost in its transition to American t.v.'s (the film is set in Argentina). Or perhaps it really is just boring, bland, and hard to follow. A courageous but failed attempt to explore the crossroads of adolescent sexuality and die-hard religion.

Yes   |   No

 
Mirna H.

This movie stinks. The action drags and it really doesn't show anything that hasn't already been done, but better. I don't recommend it.

Yes   |   No

 
Jane N.

I found this film quite good initially - the camera work is interesting and the themes are compelling. After about an hour though I got very bored and fell asleep.

Yes   |   No

 
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