Real Women Have Curves

     Just hearing the title of this movie made me say "Amen sister." I didn't even have to watch a trailer to know I'd love this movie, although of course I still did just to indulge my curiosity. Once I realized that it starred America Ferrera, who's basically been my soul sister since my first viewing of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, I was even further convinced this was the movie for me. The movie in its essence is about beauty, and all its forms. The beauty of loving your body the way it is, the beauty of working hard, the beauty of family loyalty, of being different, of having pride for your culture and background, the beauty of young love, the beauty of a humble life. Though some of the movie is in untranslated Spanish, I never felt like I lacked understanding of what was going on, because everything is portrayed so well that you just get it. I'm definitely glad I watched this movie and would certainly watch it again.

Plot summary: This is the story of Ana, a first generation Mexican-American teenager on the verge of becoming a woman. She lives in the predominately Latino community of East Los Angeles. Freshly graduated from high school, Ana receives a full scholarship to Columbia University. Her very traditional, old-world parents feel that now is the time for Ana to help provide for the family, not the time for college. Torn between her mainstream ambitions and her cultural heritage she agrees to work with her mother at her sister's downtown LA sewing factory. Over the summer she learns to admire the hardworking team of women who teach her solidarity and teamwork. Still at odds with what her mother expects of her, Ana realizes that leaving home to continue her education is essential to finding her place proudly in the world as an American and Chicana.

Watch the movie here. 

Trailer: 

-VaughnDL