Evita Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young, ambitious lady from Argentina who sleeps with politicians and sings a lot, then dies early.

🍿 Evita: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Ambition

Eva Duarte, born into poverty in rural Argentina, yearns for a life beyond her circumstances. She seduces Agustin Magaldi, a tango singer, and convinces him to take her to Buenos Aires, hoping to become an actress. This sets her on a path of ambition and relentless pursuit of fame and fortune.

Rise to Fame

In Buenos Aires, Eva faces hardships and exploitation but perseveres. She navigates the entertainment industry, using her charm and ambition to climb the ladder. She becomes a successful radio and film actress, gaining popularity and influence through her performances and shrewd connections.

Meeting Juan Perón

Eva’s life changes when she meets Colonel Juan Perón, an ambitious military leader with political aspirations. Their connection is immediate and powerful. She supports his rise to power, leveraging her popularity and communication skills to rally support for his cause, becoming a key figure in his political campaign.

First Lady of Argentina

Perón is elected president, and Eva becomes the First Lady of Argentina. As Evita, she champions the poor and working class, establishing charitable foundations and becoming a symbol of hope for the marginalized. Her actions, however, also attract criticism and accusations of corruption and manipulation.

Charity and Controversy

Evita’s charity work is extensive, providing aid and resources to the impoverished. While beloved by many, she faces opposition from the wealthy elite and the military, who view her growing influence and power with suspicion. Her lavish lifestyle and perceived misuse of funds fuel controversy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eva Perón (Madonna): A determined and ambitious woman who rises from poverty to become Argentina’s First Lady, wielding immense political influence.
• Juan Perón (Jonathan Pryce): An ambitious military officer who becomes President of Argentina with the help of his charismatic wife, Eva.
• Ché (Antonio Banderas): A cynical narrator and observer of Eva Perón’s life, providing commentary on her actions and motivations.
• Agustín Magaldi (Jimmy Nail): A tango singer who provides Eva with her first opportunity to escape her impoverished background and move to Buenos Aires.
• Perón’s Mistress (Andrea Corr): She is abruptly dismissed by Peron, symbolizing Eva’s rising influence and her displacement of previous figures in Peron’s life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Evita: “Don’t cry for me, Argentina. The truth is I shall not leave you.” – Evita sings this iconic line to reassure her people of her dedication and undying love for them from the balcony of Casa Rosada.
• Che: “Oh What a circus, oh what a show, Argentina has gone to town over the death of an actress called Eva Peron.” – Che sarcastically comments on the public’s reaction to Evita’s death, questioning the sincerity and scale of the mourning.
• Evita: “I want to tell the people of Argentina – I’ve decided I should decline all the honors and titles you’ve pressed me to take.” – Evita addresses the nation to announce her decision to forgo formal titles, preferring to remain a woman of the people.
• Evita: “I’d be surprisingly good for you.” – Eva sings to Peron, trying to convince him she would be a great partner for him.
• Evita: “You must love me.” – Evita sings a heartfelt request to Peron expressing her need for his love near the end of her life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $55,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $50,047,179
• Worldwide Gross: $141,047,179

💥 Evita Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing ‘Evita’ as a kid, and it was my introduction to musicals! The music is catchy, and the costumes are fabulous. Antonio Banderas was amazing as Che! Madonna did her best but wasn’t perfect. When she sang ‘Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,’ gave me chills. Overall, a good movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of musicals”
  • “Those interested in historical dramas”
  • “Viewers intrigued by political biographies”
  • “Madonna fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes related to politics and corruption”
  • “Depiction of social inequality”
  • “Illness and death”
  • “Brief suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Parker’s ‘Evita’ is a visually stunning spectacle, but it sometimes sacrifices emotional depth for grand production numbers. Madonna delivers a committed performance but doesn’t quite capture the complexities of Eva Perón.
• The New York Times: “While ‘Evita’ boasts impressive costumes and scenery, the relentless singing and lack of character development make it a tedious experience. Madonna’s performance lacks charisma, and the film fails to capture the magic of the stage show.

Audience Reactions

The music is catchy and powerful.: Viewers praise Antonio Banderas’ performance as Che and Madonna’s performance as Evita.

Beautiful sets and costumes.: Many felt moved by the story of Eva Perón’s rise and tragic end.

Overall Consensus: ‘Evita’ is a visually impressive and musically rich adaptation, though some critics find Madonna miscast and the story lacking depth.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1997
2. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1997
3. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Musical or Comedy (Madonna))- 1997

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Madonna took extensive vocal training for the role and reportedly immersed herself in research about Eva Perón.”
• “To secure permission to film in Argentina, Madonna had to convince the Argentine government that the film would portray Eva Perón respectfully.”
• “Madonna secured permission from the Argentine government to film at the Casa Rosada.”
• “The film features over 85 costume changes for Madonna, a Guinness World Record at the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch Evita?

Evita is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available online and in stores. For streaming, explore options like Paramount+ if you have a subscription. Consider using JustWatch to compare availability across different services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Evita, you might like these similar films:

• Les Misérables (2012): Both are epic musicals adapted from stage productions, dealing with themes of poverty, revolution, and societal change.
• Frida (2002): Frida is a biographical drama about a charismatic and controversial Latin American figure.
• The King and I (1956): A classic musical about cultural clashes and strong personalities in a political setting.
• Hamilton (2020): A modern musical phenomenon that similarly blends historical biography with contemporary music and storytelling.
• Moulin Rouge! (2001): A visually stunning and emotionally charged musical with a tragic love story at its core.

🛒 Evita Related Products

• Evita (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the iconic music from the film, featuring Madonna, Antonio Banderas, and Jonathan Pryce. Relive the powerful vocals and unforgettable songs that bring the story of Eva Perón to life.
• Evita (Collector’s Edition Blu-ray): Own the visually stunning film in high definition. This Collector’s Edition includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and exclusive content, providing a deeper look into the making of the movie.
• Evita Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a high-quality print of the iconic movie poster. Featuring Madonna as Evita, this poster is a great way to show your love for the film.
• Evita T-Shirt: Show your love for the iconic musical with this Evita T-Shirt. Featuring a bold design inspired by the movie, this comfortable tee is perfect for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

Evita features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” – performed by Madonna
• “Buenos Aires” – performed by Madonna
• “You Must Love Me” – performed by Madonna
• “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” – performed by Madonna
• “Oh What a Circus” – performed by Antonio Banderas, Madonna
• “Waltz for Eva and Che” – performed by Antonio Banderas, Madonna

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

EVITA 1980 Tony Awards

Ever wondered what Evita was like on Broadway? Check out this amazing performance from the 1980 Tony Awards with Patti LuPone! It’s a totally different vibe from the movie, and honestly, it’s pretty awesome.

Patti LuPone Calls Madonna A ‘Movie Killer’ | WWHL

Want some juicy behind-the-scenes drama? Patti LuPone, the OG Evita, doesn’t hold back on her thoughts about Madonna’s portrayal! It’s brutally honest, and you might be surprised by what she says.

Eva Peron – Former First Lady of Argentina | Mini Bio | BIO

Before you dive into Evita, get to know the real Eva Peron! This mini-bio gives you the lowdown on her life and legacy. It really puts the movie in perspective!

How to Immediately Identify a Great Director

Ever wondered why ‘Evita’ feels a bit off? This video breaks down the directing and highlights some major flaws. It’s a fascinating look at what NOT to do behind the camera.

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