El privilegio de amar

This is undoubtedly the best Mexican novela I have ever seen. The acting is superb and the writing is equally as good. As for the director, she is very aggressive and often uses techniques and angles usually not found in telenovelas. It is simply - a great viewing experience.

As I write this, the story unfolds towards the climactic finish at a heart-pounding pace. It is in its final weeks but it is still worth a look-see for those interested in what American soaps wish they were.

This is perhaps the best of all adaption of Delia Fiallo's Cristal. It's biggest strength is it's three main antagonists, all of which I can't decide who is the better one, the story somehow manages to at times make you feel pity for some of them despite their misdeeds, but they don't overshadow the just as talented four main protagonist actors, they all bring such greatness that there really is no right answer on who is the actual male or female lead between the four, all of which commit a few sins themselves. This is another strength of the story, the good and bad characters are not so black and white which is what I see nowadays with Mexican telenovelas. As mentioned earlier in this review, sometimes you find yourself sympathizing for the villains and at times feel let down by heroes. The only complaint is that there will come a time in the full story where about seven or some episodes are just a bunch of memories from the story, it was actually the most frustrating part and seemed like a lazy attempt to add episodes. Nevertheless I am willing to forgive them for creating a wonderful story with unforgettable characters and plot twists.

Watching this in 2022 and it is impossible to watch.

The religious nutters, the crazies, all the crying in every episodes.... It must have been very exhausting to play any characters as the main thing they do is either shout or cry.

I used to love telenovellas but this is one of the worst ones.

I am very sorry to say this but some remakes are not worthy at all. If you had seen the Venezuelian version of this soap opera, the incredible "Crystal", you'd understand what I am saying. This pale version of a wonderful story is completely sunk by the mediocre performances of the 'senior' actors. Andres Garcia is the most dramatic case as he and some of his colleagues in this production seem to be needing immediate acting courses. I am also very disappointed by Helena Rojo who gives to her character a total immature perspective which lacked in the brilliant and spiritual performance of the amazing Lupita Ferrer. In fact, this Mexican version cannot stand the comparison. The only two actresses who give their best are Cynthia Klitbo and Jacqueline Voltaire. They add to their mother-daughter relationship all the characteristics of a strained love affair. Besides, they are tragic and funny at the same time. But the worst of all, I think, is the miscasting of the leading couple. While Adela Noriega cannot convince anyone that she is a model or a responsible mother, her partner, Rene Stickler, is completely lost in his boring grimaces, never getting to know what his role is in this love story. I longed for the desire, passion and chemistry displayed in every chapter by Jeannette Rodriguez and Carlos Mata in the original version. And even though Mexican girls are not at all as beautiful and exuberant as the Venezuelian actresses, I think that the characters of Lorenza and Lisbeth deserved more accomplished professionals. Where are Mariela Alcala and Gigi Zanchetta when we need them?

Having seen many South American telenovela's over the years I would say this is simply the best. It contains all the classic ingredients -two lovers separated by circumstances, family secrets and regrets, and evil characters that will not stop at nothing to get what they want...There is also an overtly religious theme about the will of God throughout the story. Both Helena Rojas and Adela Noriega as Luciana and Cristina give moving performances as good as you would see in any cinema production. They are supported by an excellent cast of both likable characters and those that you will love to hate - especially the crazy Tamara and the priest's even crazier mother! For enjoyment, excitement and sentimentality I cannot recommend it enough!