A woman takes on a male identity to marry her lover of 15 years in this Spanish drama set at...
A woman takes on a male identity to marry her lover of 15 years in this Spanish drama set at the turn of the 20th century and based on true events.
"When Marcela and Elisa meet on their first day in high school, it is love at first sight. A deep friendship begins which soon turns into a romantic relationship. Nothing can prevent the two girls’ feelings for each other, not even Marcela’s suspicious parents, who eventually send their daughter to boarding school. Years later, the two women meet again and decide to live together. Both are respected teachers, but their partnership has to be kept secret from the critical Catholic population. For this reason, Elisa decides to pose as a man and marry Marcela. Their wedding photo depicts two young women, one in a black dress with her hair up, the other with a short haircut and wearing a suit; both are looking hopefully into the future. But their love remains exposed to great dangers." (Berlin International Film Festival)
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47 %17 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® rating
50 %8 reviewsAudience score rating
"True passion is absent, and even the extras appear unsure of themselves."
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Variety
Variety"The film is idealistically conceived in setting out to retell a story that had been erased from the history of sexuality. The energy and flair was, however, missing."
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The Guardian
The Guardian"The most emotionally authentic part of the film, by far, are the wedding snapshots that run with the end credits..."
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Screen Daily
Screen Daily"Reworks an early 20th century story into a plodding, protracted melodrama where provincial folk speak, behave and act like their 21st century counterparts."
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Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood ReporterElisa & Marcela | Details
- Runtime
- 113
- Genre
- Drama, Romance, True Story & Biography
- Country of origin
- Spain
