The words romp & rollicking come to mind while viewing Louis Malle's action packed ode to female empowerment. Circa 1900, Maria (Brigitte Bardot), the daughter of an Irish explosives expert, finds herself stranded in Mexico (she and her father bomb their way across the Atlantic). Running into a traveling carnival Bardot ends up the musical comedy partner of showgirl Jeanne Moreau (also named Maria). Together they sweep to fame throughout the country only to get mixed up with revolutionaries and help to liberate a village from local land barons. There's much to enjoy with this film, from Henri Decaë's great cinematography to a rousing score by Georges Delerue. Malle keeps things light and there are many moments of humor and outright slapstick. Moreau & Bardot have great chemistry and the excellent supporting cast includes Claudio Brook, Paulette Dubost, and the oddly chosen George Hamilton (as a very Zapata-like legend).
Review of Viva Maria!
