20 Centimeters

REVIEW
Welcome to the world of Marieta/Adolfo (Mónica Cervera) – a narcoleptic, pre-op transsexual woman who longs to get rid of eight inches of equipment that separates her from being the glamorous person she longs to be. When she accidentally falls asleep, usually during the most inopportune moments, Marieta’s dreams become lavish and colorful musical numbers, where – as a “real woman”- she can sing in Spanish & English. Surrounded by her “family,” which includes Ice Box (Rossy de Palma of Almodóvar fame) and Tomás, an aspiring cellist who happens to be a dwarf, Marieta finds support among her chaotic and often comical street life. But when she meets a man known only as the “fruit stocker,” it’s love at first sight, and spunky Marieta is caught between a rock and a hard place: true love or her true self. Inspired by everything from MGM musicals and the films of Jacques Demy to photographer Diane Arbus and West Side Story, director Ramón Salazar wrote the film for his leading lady, Mónica Cervera, who was seen in last year’s film Ferpect Crime. Her unique look and musical ability bring an authentic and exuberant energy to one of the most original and inventive films of the year. (Spanish with English subtitles)