User Reviews

A bizarre, evocative film which seems strange even now -- I can't imagine what audiences made of it in 1985.

William Hurt and Raul Julia play cell mates, one gay, the other straight, rotting away in a Latin American prison under the iron thumb of a tyrannical dictatorship. At first, Julia's Latin machismo makes him repelled by Hurt's flamboyant femininity, but the two gradually bond, thrown together as they are, and discover a kind of love that transcends conventions about love and sex and that can probably only exist between two people surviving in extreme conditions.

Hurt, already known as a strapping leading man at the time, took quite a risk playing this fey character, especially at a time when movies still weren't comfortable with mainstream portrayals of gays, but his risk payed off -- he won that year's Best Actor Academy Award and became just about the hottest actor in town for a few years there in the mid-80s. Julia has a much less showy role, but the success of the film is dependent upon the strength of both male leads, and he delivers. Sonia Braga plays the eponymous spider woman, a dream figure cobbled together by both men from their imaginations and memories of old movies.

This film is a big downer, but if you enjoy well-acted, well-written stories, then the depressing ending is worth it.

Grade: A

Babenco's, Kiss of the Spider woman, is one of many forgotten master pieces. Forgotten simply because it's themes, content and style is still too obscure even by todays standards. The movie is a rich myriad of imagery, poetics and emotions which all become thicker and more complex as the movie unfolds.

On the surface, Kiss of the Spider woman, appears as a prison thriller. However what differentiates this movie from other movies of it's genre, is the emotional questions that the movies raises. The movie is a study of moral rights in the modern world. In this movie the two leads are forced to evaluate themselves and rationalise their feelings with one another, this is shown in the way the movie contrasts the politics of the free thinking individual; that being revolution, individual rights of man, people forcing change, with the prejudices of modern society, mainly the modern day fear of homosexuality.

Stylistically the movie is also outstanding, taking an unconventional narrative that mixes the 'dream' with the 'real'. The character of Valentin represents the modern day hero, with his idealism and dreams of change. Where as the character of Luis represents the failed dreams of the individual and the longing for fulfilment.

The Nazi movie that is intertwined within the story, should also merit a comment, as it is through this sub plot where the story is able to ensnare it's audience into a labyrinth like world within a fictitious/mythological past within thirties Europe. The black and white movie, within the movie, 'The kiss of the Spider woman' serves as a continuous reminder of the power of the dream world with that of our everyday reality.

The eighties was a bizarre time for art, there was the prevailing sense of change in the air. With the Cold War coming to an end, there was the popular belief of a new world emerging from the lesson learnt from two world wars. This movie, 'The Kiss of the Spider woman', serves as a cautious warning that mans is a nostalgic yet forgetful beast and that hope of change and the dream of freedom, within a society that is not yet ready to take on all of the social/political dynamics of freedom, remains nothing but a failed romance.

A worthy classic. A movie experience that anyone who loves cinema or is interested in a study of humanity should seek out..

"Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a fine portrayal of how two completely different men can come to understand one another and how unselfish love can transcend sexual preference. The story slowly reveals itself as the movie progresses, and in the end,the film is about much more than is first apparent. I admired the gutsy performances by Hurt and Julia, and the direction by Brazilian Hector Babenco, who uses long, involved shots, instead of cutting away quickly (which, unfortunately, is used so often). The film hasn't remained very well known since it was released in 1985, but it is definitely worth seeing if you can find it. 8/10

Reading the other reviews, I see that homophobes have been duly warned about this movie, so I won't say anything about the relationship between the two men beyond that it is complex and beautiful.

What interests me more for the purposes of this little blurb is that no one has commented on how the "film within a film" (much like the "play within a play" in Hamlet) reflects the actual events unfolding in the prison cell. Molina (William Hurt) is ostensibly retelling his favorite film to entertain Valentin (Raul Julia) and make the time pass more quickly, but he himself admits that he "embroiders" the story to make it more real. So who is to say if this film exists except in Molina's mind, and if it does, what really transpired in the film? The story about the French woman who is in love with a German officer during World War II, and must decide whether or not to betray him, is an obvious parallel to Molina's decision to betray Valentin or not. Even Molina says that he most identifies with Leni La Maison (Sonia Braga) in this film of his, and it's not just because he is a drag queen. It's because he has to choose between the man he loves and "patriotism" (in his case, represented by the police/government as well as his ailing mother).

This storytelling tactic works brilliantly, in my opinion. Kiss of the Spider Woman is indeed original, quirky, and a must-see.

"Spider Woman", although an emotionally draining film, is a true classic. Right from the first scene, you feel the frustration of Valentin and Molina, both outcasts of society, yet for very different reasons.

The acting is nothing less than extraordinary. William Hurt as the lonely homosexual, Molina, the late Raul Julia, as the stern, but deeply caring political prisoner, Valentin, and Sonia Braga, who takes on three different roles, including the title role, and plays them all brilliantly, are what makes this film

so great.

Although Hurt deservingly won the Oscar for Best Actor, the same consideration should have been given to Julia and Braga for their contribution.

If you've seen it, see it again....if you haven't, I highly recommend you do.

Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Luis, a trans individual, is found guilty of immoral behavior and Valentin is a political prisoner. To escape reality Luis invents romantic movies, while Valentin tries to keep his mind on the situation he's in. During the time they spend together, the two men come to understand and respect one another.

William Hurt won the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film was also nominated for Best Picture (the first independent film to do so -- it lost to "Out of Africa"), Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Hurt also won Best Actor at the BAFTA Awards, the 1985 Cannes Film Festival and several other festivals. The film was awarded the inaugural Golden Space Needle award from the Seattle International Film Festival.

William Hurt is incredible, but so is Raul Julia. It seems he is today (2015) best remembered for playing Gomez Addams, but he was so much more than that.

This film, about two thoroughly different souls turning into each other, is one of the all-time greats. The writing is crisp, the acting is phenomenal, and the story is exquisite. I have read the book in both Spanish and English, seen the musical four times, read the script of the play, and watched this movie over and over again... I recommend it to anyone who wants a true powerhouse drama, not a schmaltzy tearjerker.

... such are the eyes through which we see the world nowadays. Nonetheless, a story of two people catching each other in their own webs and becoming more than just cellmates. Superbly acted and directed, if not a little dated.

Slow-paced but amazingly compelling and moving drama, mainly set in the filthy prison cell of a never-named Latin American dictatorship country. It is here that the flamboyant homosexual Molina shares his escape-fantasies with the idealistic (but heterosexual) revolutionary warrior Valentin. The stories they tell, either coming from Molina's vivid imagination or from Valentin's struggling past, all feature a similar woman. This primarily Brazilian film is a quintessential piece of artwork. No wild car-chases, gunfights or steamy sex sequences here but you'll be fascinated by the strong dialogs, the mesmerizing acting performances and the professional directing skills of Hector Babenco. The growing relationship between the two opposite protagonists is masterfully illustrated and the depressing set-pieces only increase your sympathy for the both of them. "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is the only film I've seen so far that successfully implements a complex structure containing flashbacks as well as dream-sequences - and even film-in-film images – without becoming overly confusing. Raul Julia and William Hurt both deliver their finest performances ever, and the latter righteously got rewarded with an Oscar. A definite must see for every demanding fan of film-making.

I know the film has a reputation for being a great film, but frankly this was never one of my favorites. It really boils down to a two-character study that was probably ideal for the stage but doesn't transfer that well to film. The only thing that relieves the static nature of the film are the dreams and flashbacks that add some much needed color to the story.

Otherwise, it's a study of relationships--a gay man and a straight man share a prison cell in South America and the only thing that keeps the gay man in a survival mode is recalling in detail tacky movies he's seen in the past--and thus the title, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN.

WILLIAM HURT does the campy role well and was rewarded with a Best Actor Oscar while RAOUL JULIA is the straight man who gradually comes to love and respect his cellmate for the human being that he is, letting go of his homophobic attitude long enough to share a tender moment with a gay man who has come to love him and who decides not to betray him, as the authorities hoped he would when they planted him in the cell.

It's a strange, quirky story, certainly not for everyone's taste and it took courage to make the film in the first place, knowing it would have limited appeal at the box-office.

I just never found it to be the exceptional film some are calling it.

The first time I saw this movie it had just been released. The theater was packed and my wife and I ended up sitting in the front row on a wing. I hated the movie. I couldn't understand what all the hoopla was about and it just didn't sit well. My wife and I discussed the movie after wards and she couldn't believe I didn't like it. She liked it a lot. After discussing it I agreed to see it again and not sit in the front row. I quickly discovered I was wrong about the movie. William Hurt and Raul Julia are outstanding. This movie resonated on many different levels that it's hard to describe. The friendship between the two main characters was absolute regardless of their present unfortunate situation. They are two ordinary people thrown together by fate in an extremely difficult situation and they make the best of it. The conflicts going on around them would destroy lesser men. Their reality is bleak, at best, and they find a way to survive. Powerful performances at every level are the order of the day. Sonja Braga is a delightful distraction as real as any fantasy. I can't wait for this movie to come out on DVD!

Kiss of the Spider Woman is an intriguing, slow-burning and involving piece that looks at friendships and relationships between two people thrust into a pretty desperate situation. The scenario is agonising; the setting is dirty and down-trodden while beyond that is the vast, run-down and poor locale of South America which, if you're characters in this film, would see it safer to be locked inside a prison than be out on the public streets all alone. Kiss of the Spider Woman is a battle of words; a representation of wills and resilience as two people you'd never catch a glimpse of together ordinarily, are thrust together in a jail cell with cramped conditions the order of the day.

The film, making the viewer aware of its theatrical links on many-a occasion given its tone and overall feel, begins with a long and thoroughly descriptive monologue about a woman from a film. The audience are plunged into a game of sorts; Kiss of the Spider Woman, being a piece bordering on the high art, has one of its characters engage in a lengthly description of something we come to learn isn't actually real and is actually discarded half way through. It is something the characters within this piece come to discuss and disregard themselves, one labelling it nothing more than a propaganda piece while the other being taken a-back by its warmth and romanticised nature. The inclusion of the fake film is some sort of ingredient linked to oppositional reading, that is to say how two very different people can read into the same thing differently. Kiss of the Spider Woman as an overall piece might be read into as a very basic prison drama, with all the necessary conventions found within the genre to do with honour and retribution. Then again, it might be read into as a study about the sorts of people on the outskirts of society, and how their own struggles in this film is an allegory for both real-life acceptance and peace given their chosen way of life.

Take the two leads. Their mindsets, attitudes and overall summary on what sorts of people they are is put across in a very basic, but very effective manner, linked to their bodies. Valentin Arregui (Juila) is a political prisoner; he's sweaty, rough, unshaven and well built. His cell mate is William Hurt's Luis Molina: an effeminate, shaven, thin and softly spoken cross dressing homosexual; someone that basks in the glory of being able to recite meaty descriptions of old romance films they've seen many-a time; the sorts of films that come across as silly to some but glorious in their themes, ideas and content to others. Then consider the plot point that becomes apparent towards the middle part of Kiss of the Spider Woman, and how all is not what it seems and how easy it would be to demonise certain 'types' of people as nasty, deceiving types that come across as one thing but are actually just after some vital information you might know of. Consider how on one hand you might see this second act twist as a rendering of those of a certain 'type' the enemy; and how the film fleshes out its 'enemy', turning them into mournful and regretful figures whom later come to act on their own.

But certain characters' epiphanies and their will to stand up against the authoritative figures and do what they deem 'just', not through mere principal born out of the fact they don't want to feel like they've been used, but because they have constructed within themselves genuine friendships; is much further on down the line. I'm drawn to Molina's sporadic, but lengthy when spoken of, recollection of the old film he so loves. Rather than just act as a physical example how oppositional reading can exist within texts (or texts within texts in this case), Molina's flagging up of this old tale is an allegory for the two men's own predicament; a living under strict and condensed conditions, in which repressed people want to fight and survive but's it's a Hell of a struggle. Given Molina's film sees a group of people in Wartime Europe get by under Nazi rule, the parallels are obvious.

Other than this; the film is concerned with the truly finer things in a friendship, or bond, or period of unity such as the one explored. Arregui's stomach pains that arise and the theories as to why that would even happen as well as the aiding of these pains progresses the two as this intimate process is carried out. Arregui also reveals the sensation that he once had a female partner who 'got away', before further telling us of another one out there waiting for him. This is a dramatic unfolding of events, as suddenly and jarringly, it gives the audience ammunition to want him to survive the film – something is suddenly at stake, and his well-being as well as happiness lies at the end of this journey if only he can get through.

Kiss of the Spider Woman is an interesting prison drama, the sort that doesn't really allow its characters to be free even if they have ventured outside of the prison, or indeed the prison cell. The acting is flawless across the board, with bodily binary oppositions Julia and Hurt feeding off of one another as these different sorts of people attempt to mingle and 'stand' each another. The film is more interested in the feelings of honour and guilt that comes with the sort of scenario the two shared, with particular attention to the crass revelation of one before they themselves dare to defy what they mustn't. As a brooding and evolving character piece, the production works.

Two social outcasts, Molina (William Hurt), and Valentin (Raul Julia) share a prison cell in this bleak character study that says a lot about how mainstream social institutions vilify nonconformists. Molina, whose mannerisms and dialogue clearly reveal his homosexual inclination, loves to describe his favorite film to Valentin, a political prisoner who is straight, but takes Molina's gayness in stride. Frustration, anger, emotional pain, bitterness, and fantasies fuel the conversations between Molina and Valentin.

The film's script structure is a little unusual. Most of the plot takes place in the prison cell. But interspersed among these scenes are scenes from Molina's fantasy film, a WWII Nazi melodrama, wherein a flamboyantly "ravishing" French entertainer, a woman named Leni (Sonia Braga), engages in a romance with a German soldier, a man named Werner. There's an obvious parallel between Molina and Leni, and their political liaisons.

The Nazi film provides viewers with much needed diversion from the static scenes in the prison cell. But I found the fantasy characters not especially interesting. Plot pacing in "Kiss Of The Spider Woman" is rather slow. The prison cell scenes are heavy on dialogue.

Cinematography is color throughout the film, except in the fantasy film, which is sepia toned. Background music is pleasantly artistic, and sometimes nostalgic. Production design is fairly minimal; the film is very low budget. William Hurt does indeed give a terrific performance in his role. Raul Julia is adequate. Sonia Braga's performance is overly melodramatic, but maybe deliberately so.

"Kiss Of The Spider Woman" is an art-house film that is worth watching for its portrayal of social outcasts. And, of course, the film contains William Hurt's wonderful, Oscar winning performance.

I can understand the deeper issues that this movie was exploring, but frankly it moved slow, I personally found the script boring, and just plain crap. So many cliché moments, and it seemed very stereotypical to me. I remember seeing this movie in the theaters, and the two other people in the theater (who arrived with me) out of the three of us there I was the only one who could stay awake for it. As my worst movie going experience of my life I am surprised when I stumbled upon this review to find 7.4 stars out of 10, and felt that I had to provide a balanced input into this movie. I enjoyed attack of the killer tomatoes more than I did this movie, or something more recent say Borat, that was a better movie. Hell even white hunter black heart was a much better movie than this. If you know what is good for you, only watch this movie if your idea of entertainment is to explore a very narrow, stereotypical view of what will happen to two men in prison if one is already gay to begin with.

In a Brazilian prison cell, there is two different people shares an cell. A homosexual man named Luis Molina (Oscar-Winner:William Hurt) is in prison for having sex with a minor and Valentin Arregui (The late Raul Julia) is a political prisoner for the revolutionary group. Which Valentin is been tortured by the prison guards for searching any answering for his political views. Luis keeps his spirit alive by telling old tacky Hollywood movies by past the day, although it entertains Valentin somewhat. As the two prisoners get to know each other, the more Valentin opens up to Luis. But Luis is hoping to get his prison time reduce, if he tells the prison warden (José Lewgoy) some of Valentin's secrets. While Luis is slowly falling in love with Valentin.

Directed by Hector Babenco (At Play in the Fields of the Lord, Ironweed) made an intriguing drama that mixes romance, fantasy and comedy quite well. Hurt won an Oscar for his superb three-dimensional performance. The late Julia is also terrific. While Sonia Braga is amusing in three different roles, which two of the roles are in Luis' tales. This is unique movie that is surprisingly fast-paced and quite moving at times. The movie was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapated Screenplay by the late Leonard Schrader (Blue Collar, Naked Tango, The Yakuza) and Best Director.

The DVD is the two-disc set. Disc One has an good anamorphic Widescreen (1.78:1) transfer and an fine digitally remastered:Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (Also in the original Mono sound). Disc One also includes an trivia track in English and Spanish. Disc Two includes an fascinating documentary with the cast & the crew that runs 108 minutes. Disc Two also includes three featurettes, photo galleries and more. "Kiss of the Spider Woman" was an daring movie back in the 1980's, it is certainly much less controversial feature today. Still, the movie has its charms, thanks to Hurt's lovely performance and the late Julia's strong role. Based on a novel by the late Miguel Puig. (****/*****).

Adapted by Leonard Schrader from the Manuel Puig novel of the same name, 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' is a great film, that has almost everything working for it. Héctor Babenco has directed the film with flourish, and William Hurt's performance as a jailed homosexual is simply exemplary!

'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' is about 2 inmates, their journey through those unforgiving cells and violence. And how they begin to respect each other and how they seek for freedom.

'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' is dark and gritty in nature, but beneath all that, it's the story of 2 people. And the adapted Screenplay does full justice to it's characters. Héctor Babenco's direction, as mentioned, has come out with flying colors.

As said, William Hurt's performance as a jailed homosexual is simply exemplary. He got all the respect by winning Awards. I personally salute Hurt for his work here. Sonia Braga as Spider Woman does a good job. Raúl Juliá is another actor who leaves a mark.

On the whole, 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman' is a winner all the way. Very Strongly Reccmended! Two Thumbs Up!

***1/2 out of ****

Exceptional, daring movie about a homosexual prisoner and a politically driven prisoner, who come to terms with their differences and start a friendship. William Hurt is brilliant as the homosexual prisoner, who's only escape from his sad reality is to talk about an old movie he once saw. Raul Julia is every bit as good as the tough as nails, political revolutionary. The direction is good, too.

Raul Julia and William Hurt play Valentin Arregui and Luis Molina, cell-mates in a South American jail. Valentin is a political prisoner trying to keep his sanity, and Luis is a gay man with fantasies of Nazis and their beautiful women. These two men are opposites in virtually every way, but are forced to grow to respect each other. Sonia Braga plays the woman in both men's fantasies: the "Spider Woman" and the Nazi's lover.

That's the plot, but the movie is really a metaphor for any dictatorship. Obviously, any totalitarian state will imprison political opponents, and from what I know, most tyrants choose to lock up homosexuals. Valentin even tries to make the pro-fascist Luis understand what the Nazis did to gays. Regardless of how the two men eventually view each other, it remains a really good movie.

Luis Molina (William Hurt) and Valentin Arregui (Raul Julia) are cell mates in a Latin American prison. Homosexual Luis is in prison for corrupting minors. Valentin is a political prisoner. Luis is obsessed with a Nazi movie about occupied France for the dashing Nazi lead Werner.

The prison setting is Spartan. This seems more like a two-men play. Hurt and Julia are brilliant. I would have liked a tighter shorter movie almost entirely in the prison cell. The lack of cinematic style can be excused inside the cell. It doesn't look quite as good outside. I don't particularly like the film within the film. The two leads provide compelling insightful performances. The two of them in the cell provide the best scenes in the movie.

This movie grew on me...when I first saw it, it was nothing special; however, after a some days bits of the dialogue would come back to me. The two men, Molina and Valentin are very different, but they learn from each other. At the end, I feel that both take each other's strengths. Molina, the effeminate homosexual stands up for himself and takes a political stand. Valentin, allows himself to love something else besides his political cause.

Both 'Kiss of the Spiderwoman' and John Malkovich's 'The Dancer Upstairs' would make an interesting double bill. It's simplistic to say that, yes, they are both set in Latin America and deal with the personal and the political.

As the last reviewer perceptively noted, the film within the film reflects the situation happening in the prison cell. The film is about love/betrayal as is the story about the Spiderwoman (loss and death). Hurt, once released, lives out - in real life - the fantasy that he spun in his lonely prison cell.

I particularly enjoyed the final poetic dream-like scene, where Valentin (Raul Julia) lies beaten (close to death) and after being given morphine by a compassionate doctor (who could be punished for such a routine gesture), slips into his unconscious dream.

An exception film from a critical standpoint, presenting a deep movie speaking on issues of the past while remaining relevant in the world today. It really grows with repeated viewings while you start seeing more of how the movies (being described by Hurt's character) really parallel the plot and characters as they progress. However, to more casual movie goers the film is undoubtedly a bore. The plot seems to progress (especially at the beginning) at a snail's pace and, with the majority of the movie taking place within the same locale, Kiss of the Spider Woman can be so tedious and un-engaging as to make the viewer feel trapped in their own prison watching the film. This really is a film that is a hit-or-miss depending on what you, as a movie goer, are looking for from a film.

A homosexual and a political prisoner bond in a South American prisoner. Hurt is flamboyant as the homosexual, a role that won him an Oscar. While it is an interesting performance, it also comes across as somewhat showy and insincere. Julia is equally good as his cell mate, a gruff fellow who develops a fondness for Hurt. Unfortunately, the talents of the two stars are wasted in a dreary drama that seems to have no narrative flow. Hurt narrates to Julia the plot of a B-movie, and too much time is devoted to boring, melodramatic scenes of this fictitious film within film. Braga is given three roles, but none of them is the least bit interesting.