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Kiss of the Spider Woman (1985)
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Overview
Release Date:
26 July 1985 (USA) morePlot:
Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui are cell mates in a South American prison. Luis, a homosexual, is found... more | add synopsisAwards:
Won Oscar. Another 10 wins & 8 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(2 articles)
Hurt's Oscar Stolen (From WENN. 15 February 2006)
Hurt Says Accountant Took All His Money (From Studio Briefing. 17 May 2005)
User Comments:
A well-acted and well-directed film moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| William Hurt | ... | Luis Molina | |
| Raul Julia | ... | Valentin Arregui | |
| Sonia Braga | ... | Leni Lamaison / Marta / Spider Woman | |
| José Lewgoy | ... | Warden | |
| Milton Gonçalves | ... | Secret Policeman | |
| Míriam Pires | ... | Mother Molina | |
| Nuno Leal Maia | ... | Gabriel, Molina's friend | |
| Fernando Torres | ... | Americo | |
| Patricio Bisso | ... | Greta | |
| Herson Capri | ... | Werner, Leni's German lover and Chief of Counter-Intelligence in movie fantasy | |
| Denise Dumont | ... | Michelle, Leni's best friend in movie fantasy (as Denise Dummont) | |
| Antônio Petrin | ... | Clubfoot, Resistance fighter in movie fantasy | |
| Wilson Grey | ... | Flunky, Resistance fighter in movie fantasy | |
| Miguel Falabella | ... | Lieutenant | |
| Walter Breda | ... | Agent #1 |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
120 minColor:
Color (Metrocolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
MonoCertification:
Iceland:16 | Canada:14 (Ontario) | Argentina:18 | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R | Australia:M | Netherlands:12MOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Originally, William Hurt was cast as Valentin and Raul Julia was cast as Molina. During rehearsals, the two actors had trouble finding the chemistry they needed for their scenes together. They agreed to try an experiment where they would switch roles, with Hurt as Molina and Julia as Valentin. The role-switching rehearsal went so well that the two actors and director Hector Babenco decided that Hurt and Julia would switch parts for the film as well. moreQuotes:
[first lines]Luis Molina: She's... well, she's something a little strange. That's what she noticed, that she's not a woman like all the others. She seems all wrapped up in herself. Lost in a world she carries deep inside her.
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FAQ
Wasn't this a musical on Broadway?Why is this movie significant?
Is this movie based on a novel?
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"Kiss of the Spider Woman" is a fine portrayal of how two completely different men can come to understand one another and how unselfish love can transcend sexual preference. The story slowly reveals itself as the movie progresses, and in the end,the film is about much more than is first apparent. I admired the gutsy performances by Hurt and Julia, and the direction by Brazilian Hector Babenco, who uses long, involved shots, instead of cutting away quickly (which, unfortunately, is used so often). The film hasn't remained very well known since it was released in 1985, but it is definitely worth seeing if you can find it. 8/10