Kiss of the Spider Woman

Name: Kiss of the Spider Woman
Genre: Drama
Released: July 26, 1985
Duration: 120 min
Rating: 80
Cast: Raul Julia, Sônia Braga, William Hurt

1985

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 16 Ratings

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8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 16 Ratings

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Kiss Of The Spider Woman

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Movie Details & Credits

Island Pictures | Release Date: July 26, 1985 | R

Starring: Raul Julia, Sônia Braga, William Hurt

Summary: A re-release of the 1985 drama starring William Hurt and Raul Julia as a gay window trimmer and a political activist locked together in South American prison cell.

Director: Hector Babenco

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 120 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Bob Graham

Don't be too quick to jump on Hurt with complaints of old-fashioned gay stereotyping. Only with a development well into the movie will the audience realize the layers he brought to Molina's role-playing. Read full review

F. X. Feeney

Leonard Schrader adapted the screenplay from the novel by Manuel Puig, and his fearless willingness to explore every corner of human nature serves what is greatest and sweetest in the performances of William Hurt and Raul Julia. Read full review

Jami Bernard

Each man winds up owing the other -- and the enormity of the sacrifices they make on one another's behalf are quite moving and have not been duplicated in the movies since. Read full review

New Times (L.A.) Gregory Weinkauf

Powerful, sensuous and thematically hokey transsexual adventure. Read full review

Michael Wilmington

One of the most intriguing prison dramas ever put on film.

David Sterritt

It packs an emotional punch despite shortcomings of story and style. Read full review

Leslie Camhi

Appears strangely dated, and its unspecified location seems existentially hokey. Read full review

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User Reviews

InesR.

Jan 5, 2006

Excellent movie based on the novel by Manuel Puig. Further study of the novel and film will reveal the great performance of Hurt, if we take into account the novel was written in 1976. The novel itself is an amazing insight of the characters and political and genre problems.

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MisterLuca

Jul 26, 2014

A wonderful masterpiece! Kiss of the Spider Woman tell us the sad reality of a South America prision. The film introduces the story of Luis Molina, a prisoner in a Brazilian prison cell dividing its with the activist Valentin Arregui. Luis was arrested for molesting a boy and Valentin forA wonderful masterpiece! Kiss of the Spider Woman tell us the sad reality of a South America prision. The film introduces the story of Luis Molina, a prisoner in a Brazilian prison cell dividing its with the activist Valentin Arregui. Luis was arrested for molesting a boy and Valentin for his involvement with Communists. Despite their differences, both learn to respect and living together as they attempt to survive the repression of society. The film is a true portrait of Brazilian society during the military dictatorship, and the repressions of society. Héctor Babenco brilliantly directs this drama about corruption, crime, homosexuality and society. The performances by William Hurt and Raul Julia are truly excellent and essential. A live screenplay by Leonard Schrader. A true work of art worthy of applause!… Expand

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