Directed by Colombia-born Patricia Cardoso, Real Women Have Curves is a warm, funny movie with a great message. Brains, self-confidence, and drive are what really make a woman beautiful. The main character Ana, played by 18-year-old America Ferrera, is a first generation Mexican-American living is East LA with her parents, sister, and grandfather. She is constantly at odds with her domineering, hypochondriac mother who never misses an opportunity to call Ana fat.

Having just graduated from high school, Ana would like to go to college but doesn’t think she can afford it. Her mother pushes her to work in her older sister’s dress making factory, but it’s not the life that Ana has envisioned for herself. With the help of a supportive teacher, Ana applies for and wins a full scholarship to Columbia University in New York. It’s one of the best schools in the country, but her parents won’t let her go. Frustrated, Ana at first goes along with their wishes.

Ana’s mother has few redeeming qualities and a limited view of women’s roles. When the subject of college comes up she says of Ana, “I can teach her to raise children and take care of her husband. That’s all she needs.” She also feels that, at the age of 29, Ana’s sister is old maid with no chance of marrying.

While the movie does echo some stereotypes, Ana provides a great example of strong self esteem and self worth. When she learns that her sister receives only $18 for putting together a dress that sell for $600, she’s appalled. And when her sister needs an advance to complete an order, Ana marches her down to the client to ask for it. At one point in the movie, Ana’s mother emphasizes the importance of remaining a virgin, Ana replies, “A woman offers more than her virginity. A woman has thoughts.” When she first begins a relationship with a boy from school, Ana is a bit shy but she gains confidence as the movie goes on. By the time she has decided to lose her virginity to him, she is comfortable enough in her own skin to turn on the lights and stand in front of him naked.

In probably the most talked about scene, Ana is sweating away in the factory which has no A/C and no fans. She takes her shirt off to cool off, peeling down to her bra.

Ana’s mother: Aren’t you embarrassed? You would look beautiful without all that fat. Aren’t you ashamed?

Ana: There’s so much more to me than my weight.

Equally hot, the other women in the factory follow Ana’s lead, shedding their clothes and, at first, comparing their imperfections. They soon realize that those imperfections are part of who they are, and that they are all beautiful. Ana’s mother disapprovingly says, “Look at you” to which Ana proudly replies, “This is who we are. Real women.”

Ana eventually realizes that she needs to go to Columbia for herself even if it means going against her family’s wishes. With the exception of her mother, her family comes to support her decision. In the end, the mother and her negativity lose. The last scene of the movie shows Ana confidently striding through the streets of New York City

Though this movie is presented in Chinese with subtitles, its difference in language cannot obscure its universal story. If you like lush, historical dramas showcasing grand views and amazing sets and costumes... or if you enjoy a gripping personal story of love, duty, and ambition... or if you are looking for a film that displays the talents of women who do more than sit pretty... or if you just love to watch great action movies... this film is for you! Recently released to video, I recommend this highly-acclaimed, Oscar-winning movie to everyone! The female characters are at once caring and sensitive and believable, strong, and rational. Beyond the beautiful cinematography, this film offers a substantial, satisfying story for warrior-girls -- whether they be on the court, the field, or in the boardroom.

First, this movie is rated R; it's about an international group of women held in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp during World War II. I recommend watching it with a parent or other adult; discuss the issues raised in the film. Though it accurately depicts the atmosphere of war, there doesn't seem to be any gratuitous violence in this film. I think any high schooler could handle its content and learn much from its message. The movie does a good job of not maligning the Japanese; we see all the characters as whole human beings with faults and the capacity for sympathy. Essentially, this is a moving story about the harsh choices necessitated by war, the desire of people of all ethnicities to achieve peace (both personally and collectively), and, most importantly, the bond created among a group of strong, thoughtful women.

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