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Average score to date: 8.64
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Robert considers this to be the film he's most proud of - it has an important story, about a courageous woman - and it was his first film on location in Mexico, shot at the University of Mexico. Quote: Manchester, UK, May 1998

Reviewed by Teri:

Sari (Mother) - Liv Ullman
Michel (Father) - Robert Loggia
Florencia - Norma Aleandro
Fernando - Lawrence Monoson
Gaby - Rachel Levin
Luis - Robert Beltran

Synopsis

Gaby was born in Mexico to Jewish refugees from Nazi Austria. She has cerebral palsy. She is unable to speak and her only controlled movement is of her left foot. As a child, no one is able to determine if she was mentally retarded until a new maid takes an interest in the child. Florencia teaches Gaby to use her foot to say yes and no and Gaby's education begins.

With Florencia as her caregiver/interpreter/nanny and friend, Gaby is able to go to the "disabled" school and excells. She meets Fernando, another afflicted student who's intelligence is intact. Together they find friendship and eventually begin to explore a sexual relationship.

Gaby and Fernando plan together to attend the "Normal" school. Gaby's determination and her family's support enable her to take the entrance exam and pass but Fernando has been told all his life that he can't succeed and he has come to believe it. They're parting scene is heartbreaking.

Gaby excells at High school but Florencia continues to be her only consistent friend. The other students treat her as a curiosity.

Gaby enrolls at the local university and her professor is threatened by her quick mind and challenging questions. One young man (Luis) finds her ideas fascinating.

Florencia, however, thinks Luis will just hurt Gaby and puts roadblocks in their growing friendship. Gaby exerts some temper and Florencia backs off. She asks Luis to find her a job and he gets her a position on a local newspaper. They celebrate by going dancing (The man can move !) Gaby wants to take the relationship further (wouldn't you?) but Luis has had the fear of god (and Florencia) put into him. He knows this is not a woman he can have a casual relationship with and he's not prepared for a committment.

Gaby eventually loses both her parents but her relationship with Florencia endures. Her career as a writer takes off and a book is written about her life. She adopts a baby and the unconventional family were still thriving at the time of the film's creation.

Review

This is a fairly serious film about a serious topic. It's intention is to celebrate the strength and courage of a remarkable woman. For the most part it succeeds. I wish I had seen My Left Foot as I understand the subject matter is similar. It would be interesting to compare the two. (Maybe another day).

Gaby was an exceedingly lucky lady. The kind of 24 hour companion that she had costs big money. Her parents were also incredibly sensitive and supportive. A part of me wonders if this isn't all just a bit glossed over. I would have liked to see a bit more of the tensions that must have existed in their household. It was hinted at once when Florencia and Gaby had a falling out over Luis but everyone just "made nice" and it was over.

I always find biographies disappointing in that they tend to have a "just the facts" feel to them. I wanted to know Gaby's family better. I don't feel like I know her mother at all (and she got top billing). Her father seemed like a very interesting character but I wanted to know more and I wanted to know how they shaped her. Mostly, I wanted to know Florencia. Is she really just the passive extension of Gaby that the film makes her out to be? I thought the scene with her learning to drive the car was wonderful as was the scene near the end in the cafe. They were, however, just fleeting moments. Who was this woman who devoted her existence to her charge? Maybe that's a whole other movie.

This film had some special moments, notably Michel's heart-to-heart talk with his daughter, the break with Fernando, the club scene with Luis and the scene in his apartment. I thought these were acted extremely well. Rachel Levin gives Gaby a lot of life and enthusiasm. I would expect someone with that much determination to survive, to have more of a temper but we only saw evidence of that once (after the break with Luis).

Although Robert Beltran's role is quite small in the film, it is an important relationship for Gaby and provides some of the best moments in the film. (No biases here :-)). RB is extremely likeable in this film. He seems more aware of Gaby's individuality than her disability. He treats her with dignity and respect. When he recognizes he can't give Gaby what she wants, he ends the relationship rather than give her false hopes. It's a tough scene, delivered with great style.

I did enjoy the film but I really wanted to see more of Luis (;-D). He does, however get to dance, laugh and smile a lot. So as a movie, I'll give it 3* but I'll give the little bit with RB in it 4.5*

Review by Teri (your completely unbiased reviewer)

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Reviews:

Name: Angela Cox
E-mail: beltranangel@yahoo.co.uk
Review:

Get this film it is beautiful,it handles the subject of disability and sexuality very well.The character Robert plays is lovely ,Robert is alive so full of energy .I loved reading about his approach to this role ,please Robert when you have time tell us more about all your roles.Angie

Name: Katane
E-mail: katane@chantico.com
Review:

Probably Robert's best film to date, even if he isn't in it much - thoughtful, well-produced and well-acted.

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