Another historical movie? But, this may be one you haven't heard of.It concerns Juana, daughter of Isabel, Queen of Castille, who is arranged to be married to Philippe of Flanders. The story, though told in flashback, captures you with its intensity of feelings. Ironically, she had an infatuation with a boy her age already (but beneath her station,) whom she had to leave behind. He reciprocated the feelings, but nothing had ever happened.Once she sees her future husband, she falls in love, as they instantly go to consummate their soon-to-be wedding. She finds out soon after their wedding, though, that he is a womanizer. She tries to hold on to her man throughout the whole film, and it is a struggle. Rather than rely on facts (perhaps their relationship had no important highlights), the movie delves into their lust and make this a very emotional and passionate experience. I did like it very much, as I prefer emotional, moody pieces to distant studies of people. But at some point it feels like "Sex, Lies, and Videotape," as they are in and out of bed constantly.On the whole, if you get a chance to see it, you'll be glad you did. But, be prepared to see more of their sheets than actual facts.

I liked this film, but I think it could have been better. There were three things that, in my opinion, weakened its impact. The first thing was the presence of a narrator. I happen to believe that using a narrator in a film with characters and dialogue, although sometimes justifiable, is many times a sign of script or directing weakness; usually, if both the screenplay and the director are good enough, conveying all the information should be possible (and would be more powerful) without a narrator explaining what's going on.The second thing that bothered me was the acting. I found it impossible to connect with the characters, however poignant I found their story (OK, Liotti's looks grabbed my attention quite a bit, but I wouldn't chuck that up to talent...). I felt that de Ayala's acting lacked a certain depth and had a narrow range (most of it consisted of numerous infantile fits of rage in between scenes where she eagerly spread her legs). Liotti seemed lifeless, although I was told his voice was dubbed in Spanish, which usually lowers the power of a performance quite a bit (apparently, he originally delivered a lot of his dialogue in Italian).The third thing that bothered me was the film's (director's?) incapacity of explaining the roots and justification of Juana's mad love for Phillip. Yes, I know it was a powerful combination of lust and emotional dependency, that Juana was a passionate woman and apparently Phillip was quite a fiery lover, but I never felt the characters' passion.The film focused too little on Juana's personality/character and the way the chemistry between her and Phillip developed. I realized how powerful her passion for him was, but it was only thanks to the dialogue, not to the acting, neither to the filming style (does anyone else think the film needed more close-ups, mostly during highly emotional scenes?). In my opinion, the film scratches the surface emotionally and artistically, but fails to go deep.Having said all that, let me assure you that, overall I think it's still a film worth seeing, although definitely not for historical accuracy. The story, loosely based on the Spanish queen Juana de Castilla's life, is quite moving, maybe more for those who have experienced the kind of passion that Juana had for Phillip. A woman so passionately in love with her man, so consumed by her love and so anguished by his philandering and growing lack of reciprocity to her love that she becomes obsessed with possesing him and forgets she is a queen and that her first duty is to her people. I was just sorry to see such a passionate love story idea being presented in a bit of a lethargic manner.

10 points from 10 for *Juana la loca*! And if there were 100 points I'd give all 100 for this amazingly beautiful and touching film!I've read all the comments and couldn't resist leaving here mine. *Juana la loca* is a film for sensitive people whose intellect has gone far than watching trashy actions and shallow soap operas. This Spanish drama makes a viewer use his intellect, it's not an entertaining film - it is too deep and too emotional, and too well-played to be called *soap opera*. Based on real events the film gives us the full description of those beautiful and at the same time sad pages of Spanish history. Pilar Lopez de Ayala is an unsurpassed young actress! She was so convincing in this role, so touching and so brilliant. She had no such a love tragedy in her own life but she managed to portray it on the screen. As if she had suffered it herself. All her words, especially those cried out in a heavy rain are pierced with pain and desperation. She played so naturally no matter whom - an innocent young girl, a woman in love or a miserable queen driven into madness from jealousy towards her husband. Bravo, Pilar !!!As for Daniele Liotti, Felipe el Hermoso, he also did great job portraying this monarch. Someone mentioned Antonio Banderas for this part? I'm sorry. I can't even compare these too men. Daniele is the embodiment of man's beauty! When I saw him for the first time it was quite enough for me to understand that PERFECTION DOES EXIST. No one better than him could fit for the part of the king known as *the Handsome*. So, farewell, Banderas. Not this type. Who said Felipe couldn't have such chiseled body as Liotti has? No matter that Felipe was a king, his body would be just the same as shown on the screen. First of all, he led an active way of life - constant hunting and riding a horse.These factors made him look like that. And his acting was appropriate for such a womanizer as Felipe. Great job, Daniele! Giving you 10 points also! And bravo, Vicente Aranda! Beautiful drama!

Juana de Loco is a film that questions if love above duty is more natural for a woman than a man. Easily answered if one is Elizabeth I, or Catherine the Great, however, Juana lets her lust for her husband overtake her sense of duty. The film has a rich and sensuous look in staging of 15th century Spanish courtlife, but beyond that, its revisionist take on the historical record is questionable. Although Queen, Juana is a victim of the males in the court who surround her. Her lack of control permits the manipulation of her husband to have her declared incompetent to rule. An ambitious husband who, although a beauty, is none the less not in the same league as his highborn wife, he strikes a deal with her father, and using her jealousy against her, gets the throne and free rein to bed whomever. Smart guy. He plays the man's game and gets the throne. Juana on the other hand, plays the game according to the rules for women and gets incarcerated for the remainder of her life. Career or love?Actor de Ayala is competent in her role, but lacks any depth in presentation of emotions beyond a shrewish suspicion. Her emotional response to finding her husband's disloyalty is rage, but as Ayala presents it, she is a 15 yr. old loosing her boyfriend. Ayala's seems also limited by her costar, who is stunning, but vacuous. He never goes beyond a one- dimensional disinterested stare. I'm sure this must mean he is smoldering and sexy, but if this is acting, give me Antonio Bandaras.