Rating: 
Summary: Worth the 10 years of work
Review: Salma Hayek has single-handedly brought Mexican artist Frida Kahlo to the mainstream in this wonderful biopic. Frida is described as a surrealist, but she vehemently opposed that tag. Frida was a realist, and her art is her diary- a series of paintings that communicate the events of her hard life. This film does an amazing job incorrporating each idea scratched into Frida's head that later comes out on canvas. And Hayek, who is arguably Kahlo's biggest fan, has devoted 10 years of her life to make a film worthy of Kahlo's memory. Mission accomplished.After surviving a bus accident that severed her third and fourth vertebrae (at the tender age of 18), Frida is confined to bed in a body cast. Here, she begins to paint the series of self-portraits that she is so famous for. Her earlier introduction to muralist Diego Rivera (the always stunning and usually underrated Alfred Molina)gives Frida an opportunity to show Diego her art. Diego soon divorces his 2nd wife (Valeria Golino) and marries Frida. But her life is a series of hardships, including Diego's infidelities, a painful miscarraige, and the loss of her mother. Along the way, Frida has her own affairs with men and women (including Josephine Baker), and it has been said that Diego tolerated her lesbian relationships better than her male ones. Divorce, betrayl, an affair with Communist revolutionary Leon Trotsky (Geoffrey Rush), and her deteriorating body (her back was never the same after the bus accident, which also resulted in gangrene that took her right leg and confined her to a wheelchair)are all incorporated into this gorgeous film, brilliantly acted by it's stellar cast. This movie has spurred on Frida Mania, as people scurry to get their hands on anything about her, and I think Salma would agree that alone is worth the work.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Film
Review: Many hate this film in Mexico because its not in Spanish and because Hayek is considered a Malinchista (Benedict Arnold). It also ignores Kahlo's avowed communism. But Hayek has created a picture of beautiful scenes and imagery which to me transcends all of those supposed faults. The girl-on-girl dancing scene was electric. So was Frida's date with a lady at a New York City diner. Antonio Banderas' appearance was mercifully short. The "artful dream" sequences gave something to the Fellini crowd and the memory of Kahlo as an artist. And the narrative may have been too conventional for some, but to me it was a welcome relief that paced the film along wonderfully (would you prefer 2 hours of dialogue on the merits of Trotskyism?). But best of all were the beautiful little indigenous images that only someone with a real knowledge of Mexico could appreciate: the peaceful setting of her parent's home in Coyoacán, the hairless Aztec dog (ixcuintle), the food and cooking instruments, the famous Mexican actress who played her mother, the power of the taboo against women in cantinas, etc. These are vivid symbols of Mexican culture, many of which date back thousands of years. The Mexicans may consider her a traitor, and she may well be, but this film has some of the most authentic and endearingly patriotic Mexican symbolism ever to be caught on film.
Rating: 
Summary: Totally character driven
Review: I've been going back and forth on how I wanted to rate Frida, because although it was in general a very good film there were a number of things that just felt wrong and interrupted the flow of the film. That may sound like it's nitpicking, but when you are relying on strong characters and corresponding strong acting to carry a film, I would think that you would want to reduce the level of "cheap tricks" so that the audience can totally get behind the characters. Julie Taymor is a very talented director but she's gone a little overboard here. Dealing with the art world per se, it was interesting how she managed to weave the original artwork of Frida Kahlo into the film, but there were times when I looked at some of my fellow viewers and we both had the same expression - "What the heck was that?" However, this film is not really about Julie Taymor but about two overwhelming personalities, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and the actors who portray them, Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina. I don't say these kinds of things lightly, but how neither one of them ended up with an Academy Award is beyond me (but at least Salma was nominated). In truth, the film should have been titled "Frida and Diego" because although there has been a great movement lately to recognize Frida for her own accomplishments, the truth is that her life and Rivera's were intertwined even more than the movie indicates. Indeed, some of the best scenes in the film center more on Rivera than on Frida, particularly the famous (or infamous) Rockefeller Center incident. As to the aforementioned lack of some continuity, I am not sure if it is a failure of the writing or the editing, but there were scenes that seemed to completely contradict previous ones, and it was only in going back and looking at some of them again that I noticed subtle foreshadowing that would have helped the later scenes make more sense. I am all for not clubbing an audience over the head with symbols and messages, but it can be taken too far in the other direction. Taking all of that into account, I give the film 4 stars because it was clearly a labor of love for Salma Hayek and that counts for a lot.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Biographical Film--Fantastic Performances!
Review: This film will draw you in and hold you. I admit, I bought it because Salma Hayek stars in the film. Later, my ex-wife (also an Artist) reminded me that "Frida Kahlo" was one of her biggest Inspirations (not in style, but as a role-model). Salma Hayek did an astounding job of recreating the person and world of Frida Kahlo. I was so impressed by this film, that I actually took the time to watch the "making of" section of the DVD--which I strongly suggest viewing, as well as the film, itself. I loved this film so much, I also purchased a copy for my ex-wife--as a Birthday present. This would be a great gift for all Artistic people--especially women--however, it would also be a great gift for people who are Challenged by various handicaps. Frida Kahlo certainly persevered through many challenges and personal traumas, but did not give-up. I can see why she would be an amazing Role Model for young women!
Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking!!!!
Review: Omg, this movie is one of the best i've seen in a while, i read the book on which the movie is based on and is the same, but when u actually see it as a movie is even better. Salma Hayek was flawless, she nailed that role to perfection as did Alfred molina, they really captured how their characters really were. This movie is a MUST SEE!
Rating:
Summary: Credible story of an incredible woman
Review: Bringing art to life is always tricky, but this film frames the artist Frida Kahlo perfectly. Selma Hayek is superb, her heart and sole in every scene and blending with Alfred Molina's portrayal of Diego Rivera, the Mexican muralist. Seen through the eyes of others, Rivera's personality comes through but never distracts, only adds to the story of his wife, Frida. I had a few questions at the end, but rather than being frustrated, I wanted to see the film again...Always a good sign.
Rating:
Summary: Salma Hayek's career-defining film
Review: I was quite impressed by Salma Hayek's single-minded determination to get this film produced in the face of heavy competition from others. She felt destined to play Frida Kahlo, and the film was a labor of love that is evident in every frame. Kahlo's bold and colorful paintings are heavily autobiographical, and so it is unavoidable that the film takes us on a journey through her life and work all at once. As we see events in Kahlo's turbulent life unfold, we automatically understand the content of the artist's paintings as they are presented to us.
Hayek also found probably the ideal director in Julie Taymor, who has quickly established herself as one of the most visually gifted filmmakers in the industry. Taymor's handling of the actors is first-rate, as she brings spirited performances from the entire cast. Rodrigo Prieto's cinematography is equally excellent, with lots of dazzling camera tricks and numerous painting-like shots. The film also benefits from terrific lighting effects, makeup, set design, vibrant costumes, and an outstanding, Oscar-winning score. I was also pleasantly surprised by the film's opening scene, which turns out to be a very clever and unconventional way of introducing Kahlo to the audience ... but you'll just have to see the film to know what that means. My only criticism with the film, and a minor one, is that the pace is almost breathless, and so the film feels more compact than it really should. It almost always rushes like a river when sometimes it should flow more gently. This film clearly belongs to Salma Hayek, and she occupies the role so enormously that it's hard to imagine anyone else taking on the character of Frida Kahlo with as much verve. It's nothing short of a career-defining performance, and her Oscar nomination was well earned. My earnest hope is that Hayek will find equal inspiration in the years to come, because the movie industry needs the kind of passion and resolution she brought to this project.
Rating: 
Summary: STYLISH BUT FLAT
Review: Hats off to Salma Hayek for creating an interesting vehicle for her good talent, an effort that is a visual treat. But that doesn't save the script, unfortunately, from being the linear soapy exposition that it is -- a chronology of events not even woven into a plot. Nor did Frida offer its audience substance beyond the visual presentation. The protagonist was into the early communist movement, for example, but there is not enough of a hint of why this was so. This also holds for her slightly better known husband, the early 20th Century Mexican painter Diego Rivera. Scenes open and close like soldiers passing by in a parade. A film worth making should be based on a meaningful and significant scenario. Frida is a laundry list abstract of the little-known painter's life and because it is not well written it will more than likely be quickly forgotten. If the script is not there, the legs will not be there. That said, there are some marvelous graphic elements in the film that while not seminal delight the eye while a wonderful Hispanic music score and its on-camera performers warm the heart. A case of missed opportunities, but a watchable far if only for the visuals.
Rating:
Summary: A Very Interesting and Entertaining Story
Review: What does it take for a woman director to get an Oscar nomination these days? I'm an artist and was blown away by director Julie Taymor's sumptuous lighting and photography and quick editing which made the story flow smoothly without the story stopping in its tracks. She has directed rings around male directors who get Oscar noms for a whole lot less effect! Girls, ya gotta break up the "good ol' boys (hacks) club" in Hollywood so that you can start getting some of these well-deserved awards. Anyway, I was completely swept into the story, not knowing a whole lot about Frida except for the life long consequences of her accident and philandering husband. The screenplay was excellent and didn't leave too many open questions about her life. I only wish there had been more about painting than about her love life, but I think this was so the story would appeal more to the masses. Salma Hayek did an extremely competent acting job as she always does (as far as acting, looks and class goes, she leaves the "attention junkie" J-Lo in the B-movie bin where she belongs! Can you say "Gigli"?!)She should be very proud of this quality film that she fought to bring to the screen. I rented it, watched it several times and even had dreams about it all night. If you're looking for intelligent fare, this is it.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome and stimulating
Review: I totally love this movie. Salma Hayek is the spitting image of Frida Kahlo. This movie is a great portrayal of Frida's life beginning in her teenage years. OMG I am at loss for words. You have to see this movie as if this was the only one ever made.
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