Search - How to Be a Woman and Not Die in the Attempt on DVD

How to be a woman without penis envy

Merita Cruz | Orlando, FL United States | 12/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie, that is actually based on a novel by Carmen Rico Godoy, is the personal view of the life of an independent woman that has to face the fact that in the 90s the world is still ruled by men, just because their men. Keep in mind that this movie and the novel are set in Spain, a very traditional an chauvinist society. She is an accomplished woman, as one she is not only a professional journalist, but she is also a housewife and a mother. Her crisis arises when she realizes that she is a mother figure to her husband, that the gynecologist sees her as a woman and not a patient, and that a promotion at work will go to the best man and not the best person. When the mistakes of others slip by seamlessly, hers do not--society punishes for being a "Superwoman"--something that she brought onto herself. Carmen Maura is excellent. She sets the tone of the movie--in the novel the character appears to be a neurotic woman, yet Maura manages to give us a woman with a purpose, and why not,with a vengance."

How to be a man and enjoy this movie

Alejandro Aguilera | San Juan, Puerto Rico | 06/15/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This movie, based on an Almudena Grandes novel, is a tribute to women all around. Carmen Maura is the wife of a man that cheat on her and a son in the process to grow... a tragedy changed her forever. This comedy has great moments of laugh, but the book is much better. I think in some levels the director misunderstood the novel, Almudena Grandes is a feminist who believe that women are not better than men, they're even and in this movie goes in the inverse. Other movies based on an Almudena novel are "Cuernos de mujer" y "How to be unhappy and enjoy it"."

Femisogyny strikes again

Dorion Sagan | East Coast, USA and Toronto | 01/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great little Spanish movie about family, gender, and sexual tension ("Sex relieves tension. Love produces it") in modern Spain. Carmen Maura plays a nuanced role as a devoted housewife and reporter in love with her sweet and apparently honest but incorrigibly sexist husband. Great bits include mother-daughter talks, stoned son, Maura and her friend?s feminist walk out during a dinner scene and the envy of Carmen?s character (called Carmen, I believe!) envy of the "elegant men" that nonetheless drive her crazy. The voice over was put to such good use that I found myself identifying as much with her as her husband Antonio (played by Antonio Resines)."

Recommended for fans of the Spanish cinema.

Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 02/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Directed by Ana Belen, How To Be A Woman And Not Die In The Attempt is a wry Spanish comedy about the stresses facing the modern woman. From petty squabbles with her husband to put-downs at the hands of her colleagues, Carmen Maura (one of Spain's reigning actresses) ardently soldiers on in the comedic, lively, oh-so-true battle of sexes. How To Be A Woman And Not Die In The Attempt is in Spanish with English subtitles. 96 minutes. Full-Color."