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gbisaga
Reviews
100 mexicanos dijeron (2001)
Family Feud, but useful for Spanish students
Yes, it is Family Feud (although the host is not nearly as annoying as Richard Dawson, and doesn't kiss all the women). But as a Spanish language student, I find it a very useful tool for learning. At first, it's difficult to follow, like any other show with rapid speech. But, after awhile, you'll find you can follow it. And what you'll find is a great source of expressions and vocabulary, prioritized by popularity.
For example, a few days ago the question was: name another way to say "Pienso que...". Of course, "Creo que..." was the number one answer. But some that I would have thought reasonable answers ("Supongo ...") were not in the top 4, some were mentioned that I would not have thought of but are connected in native Spanish speakers minds ("Tal vez"), and others that made sense but I would not have thought of came up ("Imagino que...").
So, it's not the most dignified show on TV. But if you want to improve your Spanish, check it out.
Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish (1992)
¡Destinos es lo mejor!
OK, I admit it: I love this series. There, I've said it. Sure, it's a cheesy soap opera. But it's a cheesy soap opera that teaches you to understand the language. And it does this job very well, and even enjoyably.
I've read the whole range of comments about this series. Let me deal with each objection one at a time:
Poor plot: As an actual telenovela, it probably fares pretty poorly. However, it seems to me that it's not fair to compare it against programs designed primarily as telenovelas. This is primarily a LANGUAGE LEARNING TOOL. It just happens to take the form of a telenovela, in fitting with the goal of introducing the viewer to Hispanic culture as well as language.
Cheesy: What telenovela isn't cheesy? If you want cheesy, try Rubi or Tres Mujeres.
No budget: Unfortunately, the authors of these comments know nothing about TV/movie production. Filming on location is insanely expensive. And Destinos does it effectively - I honestly want to visit most of the places they filmed.
Raquel's horrible wardrobe: While I agree that her "clown suit" is a little over-the-top, she was pretty fashionable for 1991. Something to think about: ten+ years from now, if you consider yourself fashionably-dressed, what you're wearing today will look as bad as Raquel's wardrobe does today.
Sleazy characters: Luis is supposed to be greasy. Jorge is even worse. But Arturo - a sugar daddy? He's trying to show Raquel his affection in the only way he knows how.
Boring: I think this comment pretty much sums up my view on the series. If you're engaged primarily in mocking, you will be bored. If you accept Destinos for what it is and actually learn from it, I guarantee you won't be bored. You may even learn to love it like I have!
Hamlet (1990)
Good version, except ...
For the most part, the actors are perfect for their characters. Gibson plays a great Hamlet, moody, gloomy, and indecisive. Polonius was especially enjoyable: "Neither a borrower nor a lender be..." as Laertes is just tolerating him. Perfect.
The only one I didn't like was Glenn Close as Gertrude, partly because she's nowhere near old enough. But this brings me to the major gripe I have with this movie. The screenwriter and director seem transfixed with the supposed Oedipal relationship between Hamlet and his Gertrude. Now, I cannot find anything in the text of the play that would remotely lead you to the conclusion that Hamlet and his mother had a "relationship." The only reason I can think of for believing there is, is to go in with that assumption. This, of course, tells you far more about the morals and interests of the screenwriter and director than about Shakespeare's play.
But other than that, it's a good version of a great play.