Watch 20 centmetros

20 Centímetros is a Spanish musical comedy-drama that features a unique storyline, brilliant performances, and catchy songs. The film, directed by Ramón Salazar, follows the journey of Marieta (Mónica Cervera), a narcoleptic transvestite who dreams of getting gender reassignment surgery to become a fully-fledged woman.

Marieta earns her living as a prostitute and has developed a strong bond with her fellow sex-workers. She often escapes her boring and mundane reality through her vivid imagination, daydreaming about her perfect life as a real woman. Her surreal fantasies come to life through various song and dance numbers, which add an extra layer of visual delight to the film.

While struggling to save money for her surgery, Marieta meets two men who change her life. One is a shy and sensitive singing waiter, Tomás (Pablo Puyol), who falls under her spell but confuses and frustrates her with his naïve attitude towards sex and intimacy. The other is her half-brother, El Niño Juan (Miguel O'Dogherty), a flamenco musician with whom Marieta develops a loving but complicated relationship.

Throughout the film, Marieta faces several obstacles as she tries to fulfill her dream. She deals with family drama, emotional baggage, unexpected pregnancy, and the judgment and cruelty of strangers. Still, she never gives up on her goal, and her determination and resilience inspire everyone around her.

The movie's central theme is the search for identity and self-acceptance, and it explores it through a transgender and narcoleptic lens, which is quite rare in mainstream cinema. The film shows Marieta's struggles in a realistic and relatable way, but also with a lot of humor and heart. The musical numbers add a touch of magic and escapism, but they also serve to highlight the characters' emotions and inner conflicts.

The performances in 20 Centímetros are outstanding, and the actors' chemistry is undeniable. Mónica Cervera gives a powerhouse performance as Marieta, showing off her singing, dancing, and acting skills with equal bravado. Her character is complex, flawed, and sympathetic, and Cervera manages to convey all of her nuances with grace and authenticity.

Pablo Puyol is also impressive as Tomás, bringing a sweet and gentle energy to the role that contrasts with Marieta's rough exterior. Their scenes together are funny, touching, and sometimes cringe-worthy, but always engaging. Miguel O'Dogherty, as El Niño Juan, brings a lot of charm and charisma to the film, and his musical numbers are a highlight.

The visual style of the film is vibrant and colorful, with a lot of attention to detail and symbolism. The use of animation, fantasy sequences, and dreamlike imagery adds a layer of magic to the film, creating a world that is both fantastical and grounded. The music, composed by Lucio Godoy, is catchy and memorable, blending different genres and styles to create a unique sound.

Overall, 20 Centímetros is a delightful and heartwarming movie that defies expectations and stereotypes. It's a genre-bending film that combines drama, comedy, music, and fantasy into a coherent and uplifting experience. The film's message of self-love and self-acceptance resonates beyond its specific context, making it a universal and timeless story. If you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and dance, this is the one for you.