Evita 1996

A cinematic adaptation of the immensely popular musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, “Evita” chronicles the tumultuous life of Argentina’s most polarizing First Lady, Eva Perón (1919 - 1952). The film opens with her magnificent funeral, drawing an astonishing seven million mourners, before the narrative transports us back over a decade, revealing how a struggling B-movie actress transformed into the figure of contentious adoration.

In the late 1930s, seeking escape from her mundane rural life, Eva Duarte (Madonna) persuades a charming yet unreliable musician, Jimmy Nail, to whisk her away to the vibrant capital, Buenos Aires, where she sets her sights on stardom. After facing abandonment and enduring dire straits, Eva cleverly navigates the entertainment industry, ultimately establishing herself as a sought-after radio and film star.

At a charity event aimed at aiding those affected by a devastating earthquake, she encounters Colonel Juan Perón (Jonathan Pryce), a rising politician with presidential aspirations. Their romance ignites, and Eva becomes an unwavering supporter of his ambition, even leveraging her influence to secure his release from prison when political adversaries conspire against him. By February 24, 1946, with a resounding majority, Perón ascends to the presidency, but it becomes evident that it is his captivating wife who captivates the masses.

Endearingly referred to as ‘Evita’ by her legions of followers, Eva establishes a vast charitable organization to alleviate the plight of the impoverished. Draped in high fashion, she faces accusations from a bitter and cynical narrator, Che (Antonio Banderas), who claims she distracts the populace rather than genuinely helping them. Despite a secret battle with terminal cancer, Eva continues to enchant her supporters, making public appearances that infuriate her detractors.

As the musical reaches its climax, Evita’s life tragically ends at the age of 33, plunging Argentina into a profound period of mourning. Renowned for its iconic songs, including the biting “Oh What a Circus!”, “Buenos Aires,” “Rainbow High,” “The Money Kept Rolling In,” and the hallmark solo “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,” the film introduces an original piece, “You Must Love Me,” further enriching its emotional tapestry.