Lila Downs Movies
If references to the fado -- an ancient Portuguese form of music -- fail to strike a chord with even the most cultured American viewers, this is only attributable to the genre's longtime obscurity. A Portuguese musical mode borne out of early 19th century Lisbon, and characterized by long, ornate, emotionally heavy ballads lamenting lost loves and shattered dreams, the fado began to experience a stunning and unpredicted resurgence in the early 21st century. Carlos Saura's 2007 documentary Fados captures the musical genre at this point, as it begins to reattain popularity. As the third and concluding installment in the director's "musical trilogy" that began with Flamenco (1995) and Tango (1998), the film first traces the history of the fado form, then moves into a veritable concert of fado all-stars (or fadistas) including Mariza, Camane, Caetano Veloso, and others -- staged and filmed on a succession of elaborate sets such as a recreation of a period Lisbon bar. Saura also works in tributes to such past fado performers as Amália Rodrigues and Chico Buarque. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- 2004
- Add The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo to QueueAdd The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo to top of Queue
An artist whose life was as bold and startling as her work, Frida Kahlo battled physical infirmity and a male-dominated art establishment to become one of the most acclaimed and influential painters of her generation. Kahlo also had a passionate interest in politics with her leftist views informed by the Mexican Revolution; she was an outspoken advocate of Communism and a powerful symbol of the progressive movement throughout her life. The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo is a documentary which tells Kahlo's story as a woman, as an artist, and as a symbol of women's rights and Latin progress. The film is narrated by actress Rita Moreno, while singer Lila Downs provides the voice of Kahlo. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
