An Argentinean film in Spanish portraying a pun on the relationship between pride, wealth and economic conditions.
“An authentic Latin-American production, seemingly true to its core.”
The Rundown
Behind the name: Also Known As “Cama Adentro” (Argentina-original title), La señora Beba (Mexico), Pani Beba (Poland)
Country: Argentina, 2004
Genre: Drama
Distributed by: Aqua Films
Directors: Jorge Gaggero
Cast: Norma Aleandro (as Beba Pujol), Norma Argentina (as Dora), Marcos Mundstock (as Víctor) Raúl Panguinao (as Miguel) Elsa Berenguer (as Sara), Susana (Lanteri as Memé), Claudia (Lapacó as Perla), Mónica (Gonzaga as Irma), Eduardo (Rodríguez as Luisito), Arturo Goetz (as Invitado en el Country)
Compare to: Maid In Manhattan—with a lot less comedy & romance.
Hate it or Love it? Appreciate it.
Synopsis in a Sentence: A wealthy upper-class woman and her live-in maid must adjust to the ironies of the Argentinean economic crisis, and as the tables are turned, the 30-year relationship between the women reveal the dynamics of humanity, pride and humility.
With 7 wins and 6 nominations from worldwide film festivals, the Live-In Maid received positive global reception from the Sundance Film Festival, the Lleida Latin American Film Festival, as well as the Argentinean Film Critics Association Award. The thing is, the critics say one thing and normal people like us may think another. Here’s what I think:
On Writing: The Plot
It’s a good story. A very subtle manifestation of the difficulties of the Latin American economic crisis through the lives of two women of about the same age, clasped by the inequalities of economic freedom. The crisis dispels their conditions, and we get a deeper look into the relationship between these two women.
The storyline was relatable and interesting to explore. The situations can be understood in various cultural contexts. The satire was a delicate jibe on society and economic equality. With a few laughable moments and a true plot, the Live-in Maid made good, realistic entertainment.
(3.5/5)
On Acting: The Cast
Really good actors. I cannot quite imagine them in any other roles. Norma Aleandro, who played Beba Pujol, the rich madam of the live-in maid oozed sympathetic pride throughout the film. A role artfully delivered. Norma Argentina who played Dora, also revealed kindness in the face of the difficulties of those times.
(4/5)
On Production: The Creativity
The production allowed straightforward delivery of the storyline, the events and the dialogue shared between the characters. It allowed for a deeper look into their lives and their difficulties.
(3/5)
On Resolution: The Conclusion
The resolution reeked of foreign production, which may translate into its Argentinean originality. At the end of the Live-In Maid, the cup may either be half full or half empty. The story left its audience hanging, allowing for suggestions to its conclusion, which either allows for a good conclusion or a bad one. though it did offer a good direction concerning the relationship between the two women.
(3/5)
The Verdict: Some may consider it slow, but it builds its own momentum. Appreciate the originality of a Latin-American production.
Overall Score = 13.5/20
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