I invited Frida Kahlo to my home. Immediately, one could feel her transcendent nature exuding from her being. Mischievous energy fused with a creative and revolutionary spirit permeated throughout our time together. Frida recanted her life while I intently hung on to every word.

No one is better than Frida herself to narrate her biography. The famed Mexican artist left behind a treasure trove filled with memoirs, footage, and, of course, paintings that tell her story. Under the direction of Carla Gutierrez, these items are systematically organized and presented in a compelling documentary aptly named Frida. Borrowing Fernanda Echevarrías voice, Frida recalls her revolutionary life.

“Yo era feliz,” Frida explains. She recalls her upbringing, free from the tragedies that would later give shape to her life. Her mother was deeply religious, while her father was an atheist. I wanted to ask if this juxtaposition in any way influenced her worldviews, but Frida continued. Her father was a painting aficionado, always having the oil-based paintings ready to go whenever his busy schedule would allow time. How much Frida wanted to get her hands on those óleos!

Despite her early attraction to painting, medicine is the career Frida wanted to pursue. Both disciplines were unkind to women during that time. Nonetheless, Frida unapologetically pursued her dreams. She entered graduate school, where fellow faculty noticed she was somewhat unusual. Eventually, Frida would find her place among a group of students known as “Los Cachuchas” for the cloth hats they would wear as a symbol of subversion against strict dress codes. Frida recalls how the group of misfits banded together and how she implored them not to forget “Cachucha Número 9” after they went their separate ways. These early experiences would bear witness to Frida’s rebellious spirit, a trait that would help her fight through difficult times.

© 2024 Banco de México Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museums Trust. Av. 5 de Mayo No. 20, col. Centro, alc. Cuauhtémoc, c.p. 06000, Mexico City.Frida continued telling her story, and as she progressed one could see how her passionate spirit would define the icon she is known for today. “Dos accidentes graves en mi vida…” would leave lasting repercussions on her life and her work. First, a trolley accident that would continue to impair her throughout her days. Second, a passionate and no less tumultuous relationship with artist Diego Rivera. Even though these “tragedias” would fill her cup of suffering to the brim, they would also provide Frida with the opportunity to discover new pieces of herself. In addition, they sparked the fire to feed her revolutionary ways, manifesting themselves internally and externally.

After her horrific accident, it was paramount for Frida to find purpose and dedicate herself to a cause. The Mexican workers revolt led by Emiliano Zapata offered the resistant spirit Frida would gravitate to. In fact, a young group of Mexican artists and luminaries were profoundly moved and influenced by this Zapatismo. As Frida continued to make her impact felt in the movement, her path crossed that of Rivera, one of the most influential Mexican artists of the time.

Frida goes on to detail their tempestuous relationship. Passion would best describe it, as Frida loved Rivera more than he did her. Frida mostly bears the cross of Rivera’s infidelities until one final transgression demerited penance. Along with her physical ailments, their time together would put Frida down a path of empowerment.

After the marriage was over, Frida finally took the entirety of her life into her own hands. No terms were valid except for her own. Her work took on a unique style characterized by violent yet vibrant imagery. Although described as surrealist by Andre Breton, Frida preferred to catalogize her work as follows: “yo pinto mi propia realidad.” Frida lived passionately during this period, effectively breaking the chains of her past. Every word and every work, every amorous relationship was a testament to the first wave of the feminist movement. Even when she reconciled with Diego, the new relationship was dictated solely by her terms.

“Me pinto a mi misma porque soy a quien mejor conozco”. Frida would repeat how painting would prove to be her outlet for her never-ending pain and suffering. Her self-portraits served as a surrealist window into her psyche. A deep story only capable of being told via paintings is contained within each. Frida relied on her art when words would not suffice, yet as I listened to her, it was evident the artist was more than capable of reliving her passion in more ways than one. One could only imagine what lay at the core of, according to Frida, her indescribable sensitivities.

Packaging Frida’s own words with her works allows for an intimate encounter with one of the 20th century’s most important artists. A poignant and nostalgic soundtrack adds to the magical journey as well. Although some artistic flourishes (adding animations to Frida’s work) are dubious at best, these are willingly forgiven as Gutierrez gleans the material into a reverent and personal experience.

“Enamórate de ti. De la vida. Y luego, de quien tú quieras.” Despite her persistent suffering, Frida never lost her capacity for fervent love – be it for others, for her art, for her Mexican roots, or, most importantly, herself. As one final parting message, Frida implores each to love themselves, life, and later, whoever they want. For what it’s worth Frida, I very much fell in love with your life story.

Borja’s Rating 9/10Watch Frida on Prime Video today. Amazon Studios distributes the documentary. Please check out other Sunshine State Cineplex reviews here!The post Review: FRIDA – Arte y Revolución Define Captivating Documentary appeared first on Sunshine State Cineplex.