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Poster for Law of Desire

Law of Desire

Seen it?

1987 | 102 min | Drama, Romance, Thriller, Comedy

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing, romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The Silence of the Lambs or Manhattan, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Funny with heart, tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 42 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated NC-17: expect violence.
  • It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Pablo, a successful film director, disappointed in his relationship with his young lover, Juan, concentrates in a new project, a monologue starring his transgender sister, Tina. Antonio, an uptight young man, falls possessively in love with the director and in his passion would stop at nothing to obtain the object of his desire.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.1 out of 10

  • AwardsWeak

    1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $1 million worldwide on a $600K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 38K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Pedro Almodóvar

  • Eusebio PoncelaPablo Quintero
  • Carmen MauraTina Quintero
  • Antonio BanderasAntonio Benítez
  • Miguel MolinaJuan Bermúdez
  • Fernando GuillénDetective
  • Manuela VelascoAda
  • Nacho MartínezDoctor Martín
  • Bibiana FernándezAda’s Mother
  • Helga LinéAntonio’s Mother
  • Germán CobosEl Cura