
Real Women Have Curves
2002, Comedy/Drama, 1h 33m
88 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Real Women Have Curves, physical as well as emotional -- and this coming-of-age story traces them in a vividly warm-hearted look at the Mexican-American experience. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Ana
Carmen
Estela
Mr. Guzman
Jimmy
Raul
Critic Reviews for Real Women Have Curves
All Critics (88) | Top Critics (31) | Fresh (74) | Rotten (14)
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Though I fault Real Women's clumsy execution, its message will continue to resonate until scenes where women clutch their thick midsections in celebration are no longer exceptional.
January 7, 2021 | Full Review… -
There is more joy in two frames of Cardaso's film than most mainstream comedies can muster in 90 minutes.
June 19, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
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June 1, 2003 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
A charming and funny story of clashing cultures and a clashing mother/daughter relationship.
January 16, 2003 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
It's so underwritten that you can't figure out just where the other characters, including Ana's father and grandfather, come down on the issue of Ana's future.
November 21, 2002 | Rating: 3/5 -
Real Women Have Curves is nowhere near a great film, but it is the most distinctive and appealing of entertainments.
November 15, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Audience Reviews for Real Women Have Curves
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May 30, 2011A young woman rebels against her mother in order to gain independence and a better life. These days there is a lot of talk about the American Dream with politicians bandying about the term with little critical insight and the late, great George Carlin saying, "They call it that because you have to be asleep to believe it.;" But this is a film with its eyes wide open and a focused, almost myopic support of the possibilities that still remain for this nation's under-represented. America Ferrera's performance as a focused, determined woman who is torn by her tradition-worshiping mother and her dreams of going to college is quite strong, and we quickly gain an admiring respect for the character as Ferrera embodies her. Likewise, the antagonist, played by Lupe Ontiveros, is believable as being able to combine love, fear, and manipulation in a single action. These are two fine actresses giving strong performances. Though the film is able to celebrate women without demonizing men, there are nonetheless structural flaws. Director Patricia Cardoso tries to add Latin music to smooth out the film's transitions, but the scenes are unevenly short and episodic. Also, we never see much development in Ana's character. It is as though she either wakes up or starts the movie ready to give a school assembly speech to young girls about the importance of self-esteem, use of condoms, and higher education. Thus, she becomes a one-dimensional character and a mouthpiece for the director and screenwriters. Nothing she says is objectionable, but a film so invested in character should allow us more insight into her journey. Overall, there's no reason not to show this film to every teenager in the country, regardless of ethnicity or size, but there are many reasons not to show it in film school.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Oct 17, 2009This movie was really cute. Very inspiring!Erin C Super Reviewer
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Aug 20, 2009I enjoyed the movie. It portrays the struggle of many first generation immigrants, although the mother's resistance to her daughter going to college is unusual. America Ferrera does a great job.Red L Super Reviewer
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Jan 18, 2009This film does what most other so-called "chick-flicks" couldn't do. It celebrates women without bashing men. Yes, the male roles are secondary, but they're all moral, upstanding, intelligent characters that are supportive of Ana. <i>Real Women Have Curves</i> may be intended primarily for female audiences, but it's one that guys can watch without feeling belittled or apologetic.Randy T Super Reviewer
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