Ana (America Ferrera) is an 18-year old second generation Mexican American living in Los Angeles. She's an excellent student - good enough, in fact, that her English teacher, Mr. Guzman (George Lopez), believes she has a chance for a scholarship to a good college. But Ana's mother, Carmen (Lupe Ontiveros), is against Ana continuing her education - she wants her youngest daughter to work at a dress-making shop run by her eldest daughter, Estela (Ingrid Oliu). Ana agrees, albeit reluctantly and petualntly. She still dreams of college and freedom from her mother - dreams that grow stronger when begins a fling with an Anglo classmate, Jimmy (Brian Sites).
Real Women Have Curves does little to hide its primary, female-empowerment theme: that a woman should be judged by the quality of her mind and thoughts, not by how closely her body matches the so-called "ideal". Central to the movies theme, is the tempetous relationship between Ana and her mother. Carmen, who sees any form of progress as evel, wants her daught to follow in her footsteps: find a man, get married and have children. She criticizes Ana's weight because she believes a fat girl won't be able to catch a man. She is adamantly opposed to further education for Ana because that would take the girl away from home. There's probably some sublimated jealousy here, Carmen being envious of all of Ana's opportunities - opportunities she never had.
For Ana's part, living with her mother is stifling her. She recognizes that Carmen manipulates her life, and is resentful of it. She sees college as the way to broaden her horizons - a sentiment that is shared by her father, grandfather, and teachers. Once it becomes clear that Carmen will not change, Ana comes to the sad conclusion that she may be forced to choose between her mother and her future. One of the reasons the film resonates is that the final break of independence is something every individual must face, regardless of the family relationship.
The primary cast here is Lupe Ontiverous, America Ferrera and Ingrid Oliu. The male actors all have supporting roles, but, for once, this is a feminist motion picture wehre men are not demonized. In fact, without execption, they are presented in a postive light. Ontiverous ensures that Carmen comes across not as cold and domineering, but as a deeply conflicted woman who loves her daughter but is frightened of what the future holds. Ferrera uses her talen to form Ana into a vibrant young woman who is comfortable with her mind, her body, and her sexuality, and who isn't afraid to make a difficult decision, even if it hurts her loved ones. Ingrid, whose Estela is a bowed but not beaten by a world that seeks to steal her dreams, rounds out the outstanding cast of this motion picture.
Real Women Have Curves is a vivid, vibrant film that has a central focus that makes its message successful and enjoyable.
Porculus