A poor Argentine girl goes to Buenos Aires, becomes a model and an actress and eventually marries President Juan Perón (Jonathan Pryce). The focus may lie on the controversial character Evita who was loved by many Argentineans, but taking the real-life turmoil of the time and making it the stuff of Broadway entertainment makes one feel a little uneasy. It is a grand-looking film with a fine cast and engaging songs; Madonna relishes the limelight and Antonio Banderas works well as the voice of reason… but the narrative is a bit jumbled and drawn-out.

1996-U.S. 134 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Alan Parker. Screenplay: Alan Parker, Oliver Stone. Cinematography: Darius Khondji. Songs: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice (”Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”, ”You Must Love Me”). Cast: Madonna (Eva Perón), Antonio Banderas (Ché), Jonathan Pryce (Juan Perón), Jimmy Nail.

Trivia: Madonna changed costumes 85 times. Oliver Stone allegedly intended to direct the film himself, and so did Ken Russell at one point; Michelle Pfeiffer was allegedly considered for the part of Eva.

Oscar: Best Original Song (”You Must Love Me”). Golden Globes: Best Motion Picture (Comedy/Musical), Actress (Madonna), Original Song (“You Must Love Me”).

IMDb