The first review for ‘Che‘ I’ve come across and it’s very heartening. The Boston Herald had this to say about the film and Catalina (click link to read full review):

Who would have thought a four-hour movie (actually two movies) mostly in Spanish about a dead ‘60s revolutionary communist would be so compelling? So interesting and ultimately so thought-provoking? But that’s exactly what Steven Soderbergh’s ambitious, long-aborning “Che” turns out to be.

Soderbergh’s handling of the final destruction in a jungle ravine is exceptional. In the large cast, Catalina Sandino Moreno of “Maria Full of Grace” and Franka Potente stand out as the only two women in a sea of male revolutionaries.

I’ve added 2 stills that feature Catalina Sandino Moreno as Aleida Guevara. Enjoy!

2 The Argentine & Guerilla > Stills

The 2 parts of Steven Soderbergh’s project about Che - also known as ‘Guerilla’ and ‘The Argentine’ - are to have their world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it also features in the official competition. Let’s hope Catalina Sandino Moreno, who plays Che’s wife in the movies, will also attend!

World Premiere: Wednesday, May 21, 6.30 pm
Second screening: Thursday, May 22, 1.15 pm

The film runs for 4 hours 28 minutes! Read an article here to learn what problems this - as well as the Spanish dialogue - might cause when it comes to find a general US release date. Also, apparently the second part (The Argentine) was only just finished in time for the prestigious film festival.

Synopsis:

PART ONE
On November 26, 1956, Fidel Castro sails to Cuba with eighty rebels. One of those rebels is Ernesto “Che” Guevara, an Argentine doctor who shares a common goal with Fidel Castro - to overthrow the corrupt dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.
Che proves indispensable as a fighter, and quickly grasps the art of guerrilla warfare. As he throws himself into the struggle, Che is embraced by his comrades and the Cuban people. This film tracks Che’s rise in the Cuban Revolution, from doctor to commander to revolutionary hero.

PART TWO
After the Cuban Revolution, Che is at the height of his fame and power. Then he disappears, re-emerging incognito in Bolivia, where he organizes a small group of Cuban comrades and Bolivian recruits to start the great Latin American Revolution.
The story of the Bolivian campaign is a tale of tenacity, sacrifice, idealism, and of guerrilla warfare that ultimately fails, bringing Che to his death. Through this story, we come to understand how Che remains a symbol of idealism and heroism that lives in the hearts of people around the world.

‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ was released on DVD in the US on March 18 (buy). It features a Making Of as well as a commentary by director Mike Newell and many deleted scenes (incl. optional commentary). Unfortunately, Catalina is only featured once - and briefly - in the Making Of. I’ve added screencaps of this and her supporting role in the film. Though she’s really only in a handful of scenes Catalina manages to easily steal the scene in each and every one of those I thought.

197 Love in the Time of Cholera - DVD Screencaptures
020 Love in the Time of Cholera - DVD Screencaptures > Making Of

‘The Heart of the Earth’ was released as ‘El Corazón de la Tierra’ in Spain last April. Since September it has been available on a rental DVD. As of early December however, the film is available on a regular DVD throughout Spain. Good news is that I’ve been able to obtain a copy myself this week and I have for you screencaptures of the film and the DVD extras!

Catalina Sandino Moreno is absolutely mesmerizing in this film, I thought. Her performance is both nuanced and strong. It’s also a great character for her to play. Blanca Bosco is the more quiet, observing of the 2 leading ladies. Yet, when she speaks it’s very much to the point and she also in the end, in my opinion, proves to be the stronger woman. Even if Kathleen - her English friend - calls her a coward. Oh, and Catalina looks absolutely stunning in period costumes!

Although the film itself does have its weak moments - the love triangle feels forced - it is a recommendable watch over all. I certainly do hope this film gets a broader release - it really deserves it - not least because of Catalina Sandino Moreno! All the other actors are good as well, I should maybe add.

You may have wondered about my lack of updates recently. Biggest reason for that is I considered giving the site away. After having seen ‘The Heart of the Earth’ however, I don’t think I’m able to do that anymore. I could use some help, though. So, if you like Catalina and feel you’d be able to help out with updates etc. please get in touch.

630 The Heart of the Earth - DVD Screencaptures
005 The Heart of the Earth - DVD Screencaptures > Photo Gallery
034 The Heart of the Earth - DVD Screencaptures > Making Of
007 The Heart of the Earth - DVD Screencaptures > Menu
032 The Heart of the Earth - Trailer
013 The Heart of the Earth - Teaser
002 The Heart of the Earth - Promo Scans DVD Sleeve

Long time no update, I know… Catalina Sandino Moreno’s latest film ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ has opened in theatres in North America. Go & see it! It looks absolutely fabulous cinematography wise. Critics haven’t exactly warmed to it, though. However, they often mention Catalina’s supporting performance very favourably - but more on that later.

Check out the official site and the film’s MySpace site, watch the trailer on Apple and have a look at the international trailer and the music video (Shakira’s Las Despedida) on iFilm.

06 Love in the Time of Cholera - Stills
07 Love in the Time of Cholera - Trailer HQ Captures
03 Love in the Time of Cholera - Promo Teaser Posters
03 Love in the Time of Cholera - Wallpapers

The poster for ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ has arrived! (source). And the film has a release date: it will arrive in US theatres November 16.

Adapted for the screen by Oscar winner Ronald Harwood (The Pianist) and directed by Mike Newell, Love in the Time of Cholera tells the tale of two lovers, Florentino Ariza (Javier Bardem) and Fermina Daza (Giovanna Mezzogiorno), one more obsessed than the other, who part ways at an early age to live two very different lives. The film then tracks each over the years (we’re talking late 19th century through the first decades of the 20th century), while Fermina settles down with a doctor (Benjamin Bratt) her father forces her to wed and Florentino engages in 622 affairs (not kidding about that) in an attempt to mask the pain he feels due to the one that got away. Also starring in this sure-to-be-an-Oscar-contender are Liev Schreiber, John Leguizamo, the very lovely (and talented) Catalina Sandino Moreno and Hector Elizondo.