Winner of the Audience Award at the 2002 Sundance
Film Festival, this warmhearted and likeable film brings a new twist
to the tried and tested coming of age drama. America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
gives a noteworthy debut performance as Ana, a latino girl chafing against
the restrictions of her blue collar background. Just graduating high
school, and with the support of a sympathetic teacher, Ana is a talented
writer excited about the improving possibilities offered by college
and continuing education. But as family expectations and obligations
threaten to scupper her plans, she is forced to challenge those closest
to her - not easy for a teenage girl just starting to grow into her
own skin. And that’s another thing - is she cute, or just too
curvy? Based on Josefina Lopez’s autobigraphical play, “Real
Women...” inevitably has ‘issues’ galore, but
rather than buckling under the burden of them, the film deftly and humorously
layers them through the drama (think Bend It Like Beckham in
East LA!). Ferrera herself is a real discovery, and her portrayal of
Ana as a complex, spirited character is a treat. The supporting cast
turn in some fine performances too, and the end result is an uplifting
and unashamed crowd pleaser. — Sandra Hebron
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