Gather the troops and get the popcorn ready because we've got the ultimate Galentine's Day movie lineup. And forget the sappy romance flicks because we're talking about five Latin-American films that celebrate sisterhood, the success, and the struggles of women.
From school adventures to coming-of-age stories, we've got it all. So grab your amigas and get ready to be transported to new worlds, feel empowered, and maybe even shed a tear or two.
A Little Princess (1995), by Alfonso Cuarón / Mexico
Source: IMDB
This heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a young girl named Sara, who is sent to a boarding school in England while her father goes off to fight in World War I.
From the moment she arrives, Sara is treated like royalty, but when news of her father's death reaches her, she is forced to work as a servant in the school. However, with her wild imagination and unwavering spirit, Sara refuses to let her circumstances dim her light.
Filled with charming characters, sumptuous costumes, and a healthy dose of fairytale magic, "A Little Princess" will make you believe in the power of kindness and the importance of never losing your inner sparkle. So put on your finest crown, sit back, and prepare to be enchanted by this lovely tale.
Real Women Have Curves (2002), by Patricia Cardoso / Colombia
Source: MUBI
This feel-good film follows the adventures of Ana, a young Latina woman living in East LA who is torn between pursuing her dreams and pleasing her traditional family.
With a cast of strong, sassy, and inspiring women, this movie celebrates the beauty and power of diversity. As Ana struggles to find her voice and follow her heart, she learns that real women come in all shapes and sizes and that confidence is the sexiest thing of all.
Filled with humor, heart, and a whole lot of sass, "Real Women Have Curves" is a movie that will make you feel good about yourself, no matter what your body type. So if you're in the mood for a movie that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired, then this is the film for you.
Like Water for Chocolate (1992), by Alfonso Arau / Mexico
Source: IMDB
This magical realist film takes us on a journey through the life of Tita, a talented cook who expresses her forbidden emotions through her delectable dishes.
With a pinch of heartache, a dash of romance, and a heap of Mexican tradition, this film will make your mouth water and your heart ache in equal measure. If you're in the mood for a captivating movie experience that will leave you feeling hungry for love, "Like Water for Chocolate" is our go-to recipe.
Too Late to Die Young (2018), by Dominga Sotomayor / Chile
Source: MUBI
This beautifully shot film takes us on a journey through the lives of three teens living in a remote Chilean community in the 1990s.
As they navigate the challenges of growing up, our heroes find themselves falling in love, fighting with their families, and learning about the world beyond their secluded neighborhood. And through it all, they discover that growing up can be both beautiful and bittersweet.
If you're in the mood for a movie that will transport you to another time and place, look no further. With a lush, atmospheric soundtrack and stunning cinematography, "Too Late to Die Young" is a feast for the senses that will leave you feeling nostalgic and inspired.
Niñas Mal (2007), by Alfonso Arau / Mexico
Source: IMDB
This quirky comedy follows the misadventures of a group of misfits who are sent to a finishing school to learn how to behave like proper young ladies.
With a cast of characters that range from the delightfully ditzy to the charmingly clueless, this film is a masterclass in mayhem. As our heroes struggle to master the finer points of etiquette, they find themselves getting into all sorts of scrapes and misadventures.
From exploding toilets to flying fish, "Niñas Mal" is a whirlwind of laughter and absurdity that will leave you in stitches. So if you're in the mood for a movie that's equal parts silly and sophisticated, then "Niñas Mal" is the education you never knew you needed.