While this is not a film for the fainthearted, its explicit passion isn't gratuitous. And while the fair-minded viewer will find much to recommend it, "__Juana la loca__" (English title "Mad Love") is probably (and understandably) best appreciated by those who know the history, culture and language inspiring it. Two of the film's strongest features are its artfully ambivalent treatment of Juana's insanity (contributing to a debate that has fascinated people for over four hundred years), and its raising of all kinds of feminist questions. Into the bargain "__Juana la loca__" is gorgeously filmed, and well acted, especially considering themes and situations essential to the story that might seem like pure melodrama if less well executed. There are segments that could seem excessive in another context; but this is a story about excesses. Intelligent, thoughtful audience members will find much in the film worth pondering.
Review of Mad Love
