A Fantastic Woman (2017) User Reviews

Moving, Confronting, but not without its flaws

[seige-hound · 7/10 · 25 March 2018]

A Fantastic Woman is a very simple film, far more simple than it initially appears. Essentially the story boils down to this: A transgender woman has to deal with the family of her lover after his sudden and unexpected death. The film deals with themes of transphobia and grief, and it explores those particular themes very well, in some very confronting and uncomfortable ways, but from a story and character perspective, this film often leaves a lot to be desired.

Marina, the titular 'Fantastic Woman', is defined purely by the fact that she's transgender. This isn't a big flaw per se, as the film is explicitly about how the culture of Chile and the world at large responds to that fact, but she doesn't really have much character besides that. She's a singer, she boxes, and she's very driven to get what she wants, despite the high amounts of adversity she faces throughout the film. The driving force of her character is her desire to pay her respects to her dead boyfriend one last time, while his family refuses to give her that, seeing her as a shameful part of his final moments, best forgotten. She isn't given that much development besides that, and it leaves us with a very one, maybe two-dimensional character with no real flaws that have consequences within the story.

However the main issue I have with the film is that it basically abandons several plot threads as it goes along. Early in the film, there is some suspicion of foul play surrounding the boyfriend's death and she, being the last person to be with him, is the prime suspect. However this is mostly abandoned after one particularly uncomfortable scene where she is forced to have a physical examination by the detective and a doctor, which after its conclusion is basically hand waved away without much further thought. It is not brought up again (to my recollection) as to whether she is still seen as somehow complicit in her boyfriend's death, or whether the police decided to abandon the case altogether.

Another plot thread that seemed to be abandoned is the entire opening scene, where it establishes the couple's relationship before the man dies, where he mentions buying tickets to see a famous waterfall in 10 days time, but has misplaced the tickets. To my memory, she never finds the tickets or goes to the waterfall to do anything after the conclusion of the movie. It just seems like another missed opportunity for further development.

I do want to make clear though, that I do think this film is still worth watching. Transgender characters are still relatively rare in film and television, and even when they do pop up every now and then, they are often portrayed by non-transgender actors in heavy makeup. However Daniela Vega is herself transgender, and she plays the role, limited as it is, incredibly well. The cinematography is also quite beautiful, and there are several visual setpieces that looked great (while not really serving much purpose to the plot) It's definitely something worth watching on the big screen, but I probably won't put it on for a second time.

A great movie, a great director, and great performances.

[claropa-295-807524 · 8/10 · 6 April 2017]

It's hard to even talk about LGBT matters in a country like Chile, so is exactly right there the significance of Sebastian Lelio's work. The characterizations are so well performed by the actors and actresses, that you can feel the anger and frustration of Marina, the love that Orlando feels for her, the everyday struggle of Marina in a society that rejects her sexuality, the hate from Orlando's family, etc.

Is necessary a movie like this, is necessary a more open-mind society, is necessary to stop discrimination, is necessary to stop the hate.

A fantastic woman, is ready to show the audience that there is no differences between a transgender person and a heterosexual one, the strong main character of Marina, will make you feel her never-ending fight to gain some respect, and how bad we, as society, make her feel.

Thanks to Sebastian Lelio for bring this taboo to the light. Excellent work.

Vega stands out

[proud_luddite · 7/10 · 29 March 2018]

Marina Vidal (Daniela Vega) is a transgender woman and aspiring singer in her twenties and living in Santiago, Chile. After the death of her lover, a man in his fifties with an ex-wife and an adult son, Marina is left alone in dealing with her grief and the aftermath of the death.

In addition to the burden of grief, Marina must also deal with humiliating and prejudicial situations around her transgender status. She subtly shows an attitude of "I hate having to go through this again but I can." Interestingly, her transgender status is used to her advantage in a later scene in the film.

Vega is in nearly every scene of the film and must carry it on her shoulders. She does the job superbly. She ably conveys awkwardness and vulnerability as her character attempts to maintain what is rightfully hers while being aware that many battles may not be won.

Much of the film follows Marina as she journeys through the city's urban atmosphere to numb her pain. The last quarter of the film takes a different twist that is less interesting than what precedes it. But "A Fantastic Woman" is a good film overall mainly due to the subtle skills of its lead performer. - dbamateurcritic

Glorious. My favourite of the London Film Festival so far

[rick_7 · 9 October 2017]

This is really, really good.

(opens a can of wasps)I'm always struck by the sky-high ratings on IMDb for bad LGBT movies, and wonder if it's attributable to a) the comparative paucity of these films, meaning that we should celebrate those we get, regardless of their technical or artistic deficiencies (the extension, I suppose, is the tribalistic mindset this engenders, in which you can't judge them as bad films, as they're not just films); b) my lack of insight into what these films should be doing in relation to their audience and LGBT issues in 2017.(/can of wasps)

Anyway, no such ruminations necessary on this one, it's bloody brilliant: a dazzling, poetic, sometimes dream-like Chilean film about a trans woman (Daniela Vega) trying to hold it together – and reach some point of resolution – after the death of her boyfriend. I should mention that his family aren't helping.

Vega has the most fascinating face and the camera makes the most of it, not least in a dazzling nightclub sequence that moves from pain to sensuality to a fantasy dance number, but there's such depth to her characterisation too, and the film's refusal to give her easy, sassy victories is uniquely satisfying, grappling profoundly and humanely with issues that are both specific and universal.

The effect is of a Dardennes story adapted by Almodovar, but I haven't seen anyone like Vega before. I'm not sure she can really sing classical (the best use of 'Ombra mai fu' is now and forever in Humphrey Jennings' seismic short film, Spare Time, Handel fans), but the rest of the music's a treat, with British composer Matthew Herbert delivering an audial dreamscape that like the script, photography and performances serves to conjure a very particular mood.

A Great Movie for Human Rights Equality With Heartbreaking and Beautiful Message

[HadiAriyan07 · 7/10 · 7 April 2020]

The movie relies heavily on the performance of Daniela Vega (Marina) and thankfully she give it, all because the movie centered about her sad and depressing situation and sometimes it's very difficult to watch and how other people reacts to her, the performance was good and it's truly a star-making performance. What's didn't make it fantastic movie is the script because ther is alot of weird things happened like the seeing ghosts and weird visions and a side plot that didn't go anywhere unfortunately, a very confusing thing happened let me just refer to it "Transphobic Car Ride". Unfortunately the movie is little bit long, the pacing is little bit weak and don't have the rewatchability factor. In the end A Fantastic Women put the light on a community that deserves more movies to see their personal journeys and lives.

Heartbreaking, beautiful

[traversisamantha · 10/10 · 22 January 2018]

The LGBT themes of this movie are a backstory to Marina's real, profound grief over the death of her lover, Orlando; as his ex wife, son, and brother strip her of Orlando's possessions of value. This film is so deeply tragic and relate-able to anyone who has lost a loved one.

Fantastically subtle

[kevin c · 7/10 · 28 March 2021]

The transgender heroine is a wonderfully complex, defiant and passionate character. One who keeps her poise and dignity in the most trying of circumstances.

She endures every kind of humiliation imaginable. And regardless of the story's sexual politics, Marina is the type of heroine that any audience will root for. Lelio conveys her courage and endurance to have her right to mourn for the man she loved. And to express her own independence.

A fantastic movie

[paul2001sw-1 · 9/10 · 28 October 2020]

Sebastian Lello's 'A Fantastic Woman' is, quite simply, a fantastic film, albeit a depressing watch. Telling the story of a transsexual woman whose partner dies and the hostility she faces from his family in the aftermath, it brilliantly captures a life of continual (in the words of another reviewer) "micro-agressions", although some of them are not so minor. Interestingly, she seems to show most contempt for Gabo, the one member of the family who knows his relatives are treating her badly, but can't quite bring himself to do anything about it. There's a realistic, and horrifying believable, feel to this film; part of it's secret is that it's protagonist is not just a victim, but while she is in some senses admirable for how she has to deal with her situation, she is in no senses a superwoman: this is not a film with a celebratory air. It's all the better for it, a film to make one think about one's own prejudices and the difficult journeys we all must make through life, some harder than others.

Strong plea for tolerance and understanding

[rubenm · 7/10 · 12 March 2018]

I had expected 'The Square' to win the foreign language Oscar, and I had hoped 'On Body and Soul' would take home the award. I was wrong. Instead of the urgency of the former or the poetry of the latter, the jury chose the delicacy of 'Una Mujer Fantástica'.

Probably, the choice has been as much inspired by the subject of the film as by the cinematographic quality of it. 'Una Mujer Fantástica' is a plea for mutual understanding, tolerance and kindness. And at the same time a condemnation of bigotry, prejudice and brutality. It can't be seen without having to think about the wave of intolerance against all kinds of minorities currently sweeping western societies.

The fantastic woman who has given the film its title, is Marina Vidal, a woman in her twenties who is dating a businessman about twice her age. In spite of the age difference, they seem to be happy with each other. But it's not so much the age difference that is remarkable. Marina is a woman who has been a man before.

In the first part of the film, this is not an issue at all. It's only after her lover suddenly dies, that Marina's gender becomes something peculiar. The medical staff, the police and, above all, her lover's relatives treat her with utmost distrust and suspicion. They won't even let her grieve, or attend the funeral.

The film shows how Marina suffers from the way she is treated, and how she refuses to give in. She remains her proud self, and in the end gets what she wants: a decent goodbye to her deceased lover. The film doesn't fall into the trap of making the whole thing too sentimental. The director registers the events, with a certain amount of compassion, but without making a tearjerker of it.

This is not a groundbreaking movie. But 'Una Mujer Fantástica' is without any doubt a well-written, well-directed and well-acted drama, with an underlying message that's hard not to agree with.

A fantastic woman, a fantastic film

[sinnerofcinema · 10/10 · 5 February 2018]

Somber, bleak and unrelenting, "A Fantastic Woman" is a very moving portrait of Marina, a transgender woman, who must deal with all the hatred and intolerance from society when her lover dies suddenly. This film depicts a reality which cannot be ignored. It delivers punches to the gut opening our eyes to the urgency of not special, but equal rights. Marina demands she be treated with decency and respect as a human. She seeks no special rights or anything else than what she believes is owed to her as a grieving woman who just lost her loved one. The films is urgent and poses many questions to the viewer to ponder. You can't help to think about the actions you would take facing the grim choices Marina has to deal with. She is constantly stripped from her dignity in the midst of grieving. But her sense of hope is palpable. She will not let anyone get in the way of her having that last moment she needs to say goodbye. This film really keeps you choked up for many reasons simultaneously until the very end when you feel somewhat a sense of vindication for Marina. An outstanding piece of cinematic art worthy of the praise and accolades it has received. Here rooting for "A Fantastic Woman" to capture that Best Foreign Language Oscar, and hoping this film will bring attention to the bleak reality many transgender people must deal with.

Not a fantastic film, but a pretty good one

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 15 March 2018]

"Una Mujer Fantástica" or "A Fantastic Woman" is a collaboration of 4 countries that resulted in this 2017 105-minute film in the Spanish language. Here we have this year's Best Foreign Language Film winner for Chile. It is the second time for the country to be nominated (after No) and the first time it took home the glory. For writer and director Sebastián Lelio it was the second time too that one of his works was submitted and he triumphed this time after Gloria came short half a decade ago. I personally must say I prefer Gloria though, but Lelio seems to have a good touch for female centered movies struggling with lobve from one perspective or the other. But of course, it is not surprising really that liberal Hollywood would really appreciate a film that has a transgender character in almost every scene. Lead actress Dani Vega is also transgender in real life, which added additional spice and bait to the film's awards ambitions. But in all fairness, she did a good job here most of the time and it is also a well-written movie. The young woman has a love relationship with a far older man who dies surprisingly early on after he seemed like the initial protagonist of the film and the rest of the movie is basically Vega's character struggling with getting her fair share of mourning when she is chased away by the dead man's family from the requiem and they made more than clear that they don't want her at the funeral either. In addition, there is struggling about who gets what and most of the focus there is on a canine. The film is packed with examples of discrimination, some more severe and even violently physical, others more subtle. One interesting thing is how everybody perceived the protagonist differently. Some don't see her as a woman at all, but as a chimera while others see her as a woman and this does not only include her lover's family, but also doctors, police officers and her own family. The good news here is that the film really does feel authentic and realistic from start to finish. I never had the impression that I was watching actors play parts. One interesting scene was when she unleashes her anger on top of the car and really becomes the beast to some extent that the people inside the car (2 out of 3 at least) see in her. I also liked the fighter references with these brief punching ball moments somewhat defining the character's inner strength and willpower. There weren't many moment that I did not like. One would be that she actually randomly comes across another guy with the same key which was too big of a coincidence for me and the key scene at the end also I am not sure if I liked it or not. It was somewhat realistic, but also a bit of a letdown given the build-up there with regards to the emptiness eventually. The music and singing element, as beautiful as her voice may be, felt rushed in and pointless most of the time, even if I can see the impact how everybody sees her on stage as an actual woman. Still a nice reference to how art and music may overcome all boundaries. And come on, the natural woman song in the radio may have been a bit too much. Still all in all, the positive outweighs the negative and while I think the Oscar is maybe a bit too much (I sure would have preferred it going to Gloria), I definitely think watching this one is not by any means a waste of time. i give this fantastic woman a thumbs-up and recommend checking it out.

CONVICTION AND REALITY

[filmesfodasticos_by_jorgemarin · 8/10 · 11 July 2019]

In A Fantastic Woman, we are at first deceived by director Sebastián Lelio to believe that the main character of the movie is Orlando, a middle-aged businessman who owns a textile company in Santiago, Chile. Shortly afterward, we are introduced to the woman with whom she is dividing her life: the young salsa singer Marina Vidal, who performs at the Galeria hotel club, but we will discover to be a waitress on a daily basis.

After a romantic dinner, the couple dance, talk about a trip to the Iguassu Falls in Brazil and, back to Orlando apartment, make love and sleep peacefully, until, in the middle of the night, Orlando felt sick. Going to the hospital, he falls down the stairs and is supported by Marina who caould take him, but not in time: the businessman dies of an aneurysm.

Confined outside, in a restricted area labeled "Area Sucia" (dirty area), Marina is interrogated and investigated by the doctor before receiving news of the companion's death. The reason for the mistrust is that the girl is transgender and her ID still carries her male name.

The issue of the movie is not Marina being treated "as it were" woman. She knows herself a woman, full of the love of Orlando (she had recently moved to the apartment), is in mourning for his beloved, and has neither the time, nor the patience, nor the desire to be questioned by issues that are absolutely irrelevant to her for your moment of pain.

He will, however, discover to his despair that Orlando's former family, starting with his ex-wife Sonia, and his son Bruno, rush to take her away from everything that concerns the entrepreneur. At first with the car, then the apartment, and even the Diabla that Marina prides herself on being a gift she received.

Benjamin Echazarreta's camera is nervous, impatient, sometimes hallucinated, showing nuances of a reality that frightens us. In the end, something is returned to Marina. Dignified by her own conviction for the right to respect, security and sexuality, Marina finishes the film by singing an aria of Handel: Ombra mai fu (There was never a shadow).

Not so fantastic after all

[valadas · 6/10 · 29 July 2018]

The story is not bad at all though somewhat odd. A middle aged man and a transgender woman much younger than him fall in love with each other and even plan to live together. However during a night when they were in bed together he falls suddebly ill and ends up by dying in hospital. This pulls her down heavily and besides that she has to face the aggressive hostility of his family that tries to force her to keep away from everything related to him and even not to attend his funeral. This atmosphere creates a series of ugly incidentes some of them shown in a bit confused scenes some real some imaginary. A movie that can be seen although not too enthusiastically.

Nice atmosphere but Chilean director's symbol of transgender victimhood is a one-dimensional character

[Turfseer · 5/10 · 8 February 2018]

Una mujer fantástica (A Fantastic Woman in English), is director Sebastián Lelio's Academy Award nominated entry for the Best Foreign Language Film from Chile. It stars Daniela Vega as Marina Vidal, a transgender waitress who has recently moved into an apartment with her boyfriend Orlando, a textile business owner, thirty years her senior.

The film begins grippingly as Orlando suddenly collapses in the bedroom after some lovemaking and is rushed to the hospital by Marina. There he expires from an aneurysm. What will happen to Marina? At first, with a pulsing electronic rock film score, A Fantastic Woman feels almost like a film noir as Marina becomes the subject of a police investigation into Orlando's death.

But instead of finding out more about Marina and what makes her tick, the film's scenarists are content to present her as a heroine, courageously fending off those who ostracize her due to the deep prejudice against transgender people in contemporary society (in this case Chile).

In addition to being harassed by the police, Orlando's ex-wife will not allow Marina to attend his wake or funeral and Orlando's brother wants her out of his apartment immediately. The brother has also dognapped Diabla, a German Shepherd whom Marina has bonded with during her relationship with Orlando.

The harassment reaches its apex when the brother kidnaps Marina and drives her around as his anti-gay pals tape her mouth shut with duct tape. Fortunately she's released by the thugs and eventually is able to get Diabla back (we don't actually see how but Orlando's other brother, Gabo, appears a tad bit more sympathetic and may have helped her).

One keeps asking where is this all going and there is a mystery of some of Orlando's keys connected to a locker at a sauna which the deceased businessman used to go to. Perhaps it's those missing misplaced vacation tickets of Orlando's which we find out about at the beginning of the narrative-but unfortunately no, those are what you might call a pseudo-MacGuffin. Marina ends up finding (SUPER SPOILERS AHEAD) nothing in the locker!

Lelio's mistake is to put Marina up on a pedestal as a symbol of victimhood for transgender people as well as making her into that (previously alluded) courageous heroine. We find out next to nothing about her background (except for some brief interactions with her sister and brother-in-law) and it's clear Lelio doesn't know how to turn her into a complex character. Had he done that, then perhaps she would have some bad characteristics mixed in with the good.

While Lelio nobly offers up an impressive and atmospheric visual palette, stands up for all transgender people and in doing so, creates a welcome plea for tolerance, it's simply not enough to craft a requisite compelling protagonist.

Sensitive

[Red_Identity · 9 March 2018]

I think a film like this needed someone very sensitive and attuned to the difficulty of the story, and thankfully that's what it achieved. Sebastian Lelio's voice comes shining through in each frame. I think the biggest factor that the film relied on was the actress, and Daniela Vega is really wonderful here. It's a glorious, but quiet and effective turn.

Grim but Important Chilean Drama

[bastille-852-731547 · 7/10 · 3 February 2018]

"A Fantastic Woman" is Chile's submission to the Academy Awards for the category of Best Foreign Film. The film tells the story of a transgender woman, Marina, who is suddenly cast into a state of mourning after her older boyfriend Orlando died suddenly and unexpectedly. She must confront and come to terms with Orlando's immediate and extended family members as well, who are just as shocked by the tragic loss as she is but generally unaccepting of her gender identity.

Sebastian Lelio delivers a well-directed film that makes good usage of simple but exquisite technical and editing tactics. The acting in the film is quite strong throughout, and the script is also well-written. Daniela Varga's lead performance is excellent, as she portrays Marina with a genuine sense of melancholy. She is able to enable the audience to feel a deep-seated, full-throated sense of empathy as well--one which we can only wish the characters she interacts with during the film's duration could have towards her in return. The tone on display in the film is somber and very bleak, but distinctly and genuinely rooted in reality. Such tone is supported--and exacerbated (in a good way)--by the simple score and aesthetic qualities we see. The chronology of the film's narrative is rather bizarre, as is the juxtaposition of some scenes and brief interludes. Otherwise, this is a generally well-made film. 7/10

She was stronger than me

[adamjohns-42575 · 8/10 · 26 May 2023]

A Fantastic Woman (Una Mujer Fantastica) (2017) -

I was totally surprised that I enjoyed this film as much as I did. I must confess that I don't fully understand Transgender people, because how could I?

I'm not trans and apart from the fact that a pair of heels make my calves look fantastic, my days of dressing up as the opposite sex for birthdays and new years are behind me. I would also want a man to fancy me as a man and not because I looked quite good as Marilyn Monroe that one time.

But what this film did was to try to express how it must feel for those Transgender Sisters and Brothers out there all over the world.

I couldn't help but feel the pain that the lead character of Marina (Daniela Vega) was going through, because the performances and direction of this production were so well done.

The persecution was horrifying to watch and some of the actions of the family were so hideous that they actually made me feel nauseous to watch them. It was easy to believe that those things have happened and a lot worse too for sure.

I thought that Daniela Vega did very well in her role, having not acted before. If it hadn't been for the uncertainty of how she delivered her lines, because I didn't understand the language, I would say that she was made for the part.

She really lead the film and definitely had a presence that took me through those hard days with her.

I also liked the occasional surreal moments that were dotted throughout as well. And I liked that the key she found didn't do what was expected.

The soundtrack could perhaps have had a bit more light and dark to it though. It was all very somber, which made it a tiny bit drippy at times. Something upbeat for the happier times would have given it a bit more balance.

Overall, the message was clear and the story driven and laid out with finesse and power. Everyone struggles to cope with the loss of a loved one, but this film showed what can happen to some who are still yet to be legally defined as even common law partners, as well as the vindictive way that people can behave when there are pride and material things at stake via inheritance. A powerful story that kept me gripped

827.82/1000.

A Fantastic Woman (2017)

[rockman182 · 7/10 · 4 February 2018]

I don't always check out Academy Award nominated foreign films unless they really grab my attention (nothing personal, just time constraints with what I watch). A Fantastic Woman recently opened in the city and I decided to check it out. Didn't know a whole lot going in but I was excited nonetheless. After viewing the film I'll say while its not perfect and seems to get lost at stages as it goes along its still an effort that speaks towards today's issues and a film with a fine central performance from a newcomer.

The film is about a transgender woman who recently experiences the loss of her lover after he experiences his seizure. She is not able to grieve and attend the funeral properly because his family are embarrassed by her (because she's transgender) and even resort to verbally and physically attacking her. The film also shows how difficult her life is as she tries to find peace and solace in the death of her lover. The film was submitted from Chile.

Daniela Vega is very impressive for a newcomer. Her performance is powerful. She has to stand up against oppression and is unnerved as she does it. She's quite a great and complex character and has to carry the film. A Fantastic Woman is a thin work otherwise. Its interesting because it touches on discrimination against LGBTQ, which is still a problem in the world today. I do feel like the film builds very slowly throughout and doesn't quite achieve its potential.

The film is actually fairly safe compared to other films that deal with discrimination and hate. Other's might feel more positive about the film than I do. Daniela Vega has a future and will likely be in other foreign (or even local) work. I do have a mind to check out some of the other foreign nominees this year but I might just in the end check out the winner instead. Who knows, could be this one.

6.5/10

Impressive!!

[johannes2000-1 · 9/10 · 4 May 2021]

After her old lover suddenly dies, main character Marina, a young transgender woman, is confronted with the anger and resentment of the family of her lover, fueled by their relentless prejudices. The only thing she asks of them, is to allow her to attend to her lovers memorial service, and to keep the dog that her lover gave her. But the family refuses everything and opposes her in the most cruel ways.

Daniela Vega gives an extraordinary performance as Marina, all the time staying composed and keeping up her dignity. There are several heartbreaking scenes, like when Marina has to be examined by a forensic doctor who clearly considers her a freak and takes pictures of her naked body; or when she finally reaches the crematorium, just in time to see the body of her lover and touch it one last time, before they slide it in the cremation-oven.

Director Lelio subtly but very effectively pictures Marina's desperation and loneliness. The latter is poignantly illustrated by the empty locker, in which Marina hoped to find some personal memento's of her lover, making her finally realize that she is left empty-handed and alone. This triggers her only outburst with the family, demanding ar least her dog. When we in the end see Marina jogging in the park with her dog, that outburst apparently made her score this one point, but at the cost of being degraded to the core.

This is definitely not an easy movie to watch, but absolutely worthwhile. It stayed in my head for a long time.

RESILIENCE AND LOVE.

[andrewchristianjr · 7/10 · 20 January 2021]

Do not be alarmed, Although it is concerned with prejudice and cruelty it is not a preachy film. It is populated by real characters not cardboard cut outs. The villains of the piece have their reasons. And above all it is about resilience and love.

A classy one woman show with a great supporting cast

[mel_bear · 9/10 · 12 March 2018]

Knowing a little of the story before hand I was not holding great hopes for this evening's cinema excursion. However, I was most pleasantly surprised from the opening music which lead us the steamy interior of the sauna where slowly, in the background, naked bodies could be seen imerging from the low lit darkness. Indeed one of the beauties of the film is the wonderful camera work. The shot in the elevator was worth the price of the ticket alone. Daniela Varga is a great actress and has to hold the audience's attention as she appears in almost every scene. She certainly held me in the palm of her hand and I had difficulty not taking my eyes off her. Daniela further exploited her talents by doing her own singing. The acting was superb from all the supporting cast but it was Daniela's film, with the help of Sebastian Lelio, of course.

A SURPRISE

[MadamWarden · 6/10 · 13 October 2020]

I honestly knew nothing about this movie and was a third of the way through before I realised it was about a transgender protagonist. I certainly didn't realise that the actor was transgender.

I was quite surprised and it definitely changed my perception of the movie entirely. I hadn't realised the full extent of the tragedy and her behaviour as a result confused me.

That said, a sad, tragic movie with insight into lives unfamiliar.

Worth a watch if only to inform but not to be entertained.

MAMI Film Fest Review. A Fantastic Woman.

[namashi_1 · 10/10 · 19 October 2017]

A Fantastic Woman (Spanish: Una mujer fantástica), is a Tour-De-Force in all senses. Firstly, Daniela Vega (a proud trans woman herself) delivers the most moving performance of the year. Secondly, Writer-Director Sebastián Lelio makes a harrowing, arresting film about the difference between being 'human' & 'inhuman'. This Chilean Drama is a pure spell-binder!

'A Fantastic Woman' Synopsis: Marina (Daniela Vega), a waitress who moonlights as a nightclub singer, faces discrimination & humiliation by the family of her boyfriend, after he unexpectedly dies.

The Trans Community is a big part of our Community & they deserve equal respect & opportunity in our society. SADLY, however, not everyone in this World has the sensitivity or the heart to accept one has they are or who they choose to be. And 'A Fantastic Woman' is a tale of this harrowing & despicable act of others inflicted on a Trans Woman, who faces discrimination & is called the most deplorable things, just for being who she is. Its NOT an easy watch, because its literally what it is & how this needs to stop, no matter who you are.

Sebastián Lelio is a talented & brave man, who's intelligent enough to deliver a thought- provoking film, but never forgets to also make it a compelling drama. While we all know where the film is headed, its always engaging to see Marina battle her life with such courage. She isn't a weak woman, she's a brave soul, who faces the discrimination & never forgets her rights as a human being. Lelio & Gonzalo Maza's Screenplay is brilliant, no two options on that! Engrossing, Disturbing & Challenging, the Writing is top-notch at all times & delvers a strong, strong impact! Lelio's Direction is superb. He's handled this dramatic film with force. Benjamín Echazarreta's Cinematography is perfect. Soledad Salfate's Editing is crisp. Art & Costume Design are good.

Performance-Wise: Daniela Vega is truly remarkable as Marina. And I really hope she creates history by winning many accolades around the world for her stupendous performance her, opening a gate for the Trans community in film & beyond. Vega is affecting & courageous all through. There isn't a single false note in her portrayal. Undoubtedly, among the best performances of the year! Of the supporting cast, Francisco Reyes Morandé is wonderful in a cameo & Aline Küppenheim is first-rate.

On the whole, 'A Fantastic Woman' is indeed, FANTASTIC. Don't Miss It For The World.

The movie is about the psychological and social life of a trans woman after the death of her older and wealthy lover.

[yasananlarim · 6/10 · 30 October 2022]

I added the movie to my watch list a long time ago, but finally watched it. I guess I usually have high expectations.

The movie is about the psychological and social life of a trans woman after the death of her older and wealthy lover. The story was good but sometimes I got bored watching it. However, I can say that the movie ended pretty quickly. Frankly, there could have been better scenes. There is not much information about the lives of trans women in this movie. Yes, the story is good, but I'm not sure about the other actors except the lead actor. Maybe the role of the deceased old man should have been a little more. The opera scenes in the movie added a good meaning to the movie.

An average film with a few plotholes

[s-japiashvili · 5/10 · 24 November 2018]

I was excited to watch this movie, but unfortunately, I was disappointed. A few scenes seemed forced and not believable which ultimately ruined it for me. 1. Why would Marina leave her boyfriend alone outside and go back in the room when she clearly saw he was sick? 2. Why was she acting all mysteriously and not answering the questions of the detective clearly? That could have saved her from the trouble of having to show her naked body to the detectives. And many more... The acting was good, though