Love in the Time of Cholera

Title:Love in the Time of Cholera (El amor en tiempos del cólera)
Released:2007

Movie and Plot Summary

I'm still not sure why this movie, based on the magical realism classic by Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Márquez, is in English. It's not just in English, but characters have Spanish accents perhaps only authentic in the case of Spaniard Javier Bardem, while the background dialog is in Spanish. For as authentic as other aspects like scenery and costumes may have been, changing the language that created this beautiful opening line seems like a mistake:

Era inevitable: el olor de las almendras amargas le recordaba siempre el destino de los amores contrariados.

It was inevitable: the scent of bitter almonds always reminded him of the fate of unrequited love.

The scenery is breathtaking and the music is wonderful, with two of the songs written by Colombian pop star Shakira. The story takes place towards the end of the 19th century in an unnamed port city, likely Cartagena, Colombia. Young Florentino Ariza falls in love with Fermina Daza, whose father forbids their relationship due to Florentino's social position. Fermina moves on and marries a successful doctor, but Florentino accepts his destiny to always love and remain faithful to Fermina.

Spanish Language Learning Notes

Given that most of the film is in English there's not much opportunity to really practice your listening skills. However, the scenery and period costumes are still worthwhile if your goal is learning about Latin American history. You can get some language learning benefit by turning on the Spanish subtitles.