"Becomes richer, deeper and more interesting than just a coupling of naked bodies on screen." Bruce Kirkland, JAM! MOVIES "If Sex and Lucia were any more explicit, you'd watch it in a booth and pay for it a quarter at a time." Chris Hewitt ST PAUL PIONEER PRESS "Hey, who else needs a shower?" Jimmy O FILM SNOBS "Sex ironically has little to do with the story, which becomes something about how lame it is to try and evade your responsibilities and that you should never, ever, leave a large dog alone with a toddler. But never mind all that; the boobs are fantasti" Christopher Null FILMCRITIC.COM "Medem may have disrobed most of the cast, leaving their bodies exposed, but the plot remains as guarded as a virgin with a chastity belt. That's why Sex and Lucia is so alluring." Marta Barber MIAMI HERALD

"Medem packs it with so much stunning, wildly colorful imagery and so much sex that it transfixes you even when you're not quite sure what's going on." Michael Wilmington CHICAGO TRIBUNE "Even if you don't understand what on earth is going on, this is a movie that will stimulate hours of post viewing discussion, if only to be reminded of who did what to whom and why." The Wolf IOFILM UK "Say what you will about Sex and Lucia, but don't call it boring." Phil Villarreal ARIZONA DAILY STAR "Julio Medem's sexy road movie is an Y Tu Mamá También lite that arouses the senses as much as it does the imagination." David N Butterworth MOVIE BOEUF "Instead of being truly erotic, like Y Tu Mama Tambien, or provocative, as with some of Catherine Breillat's work, Sex and Lucia is, quite simply, flaccid." Rod Armstrong REEL.COM

At A Glance

"As a randy film about sexy people in gorgeous places being pushed and pulled (literally and figuratively) by desire [Sex and Lucía] makes for an arousing good time." Nicholas Schager SLANT MAGAZINE

"Sex and Lucia", now here's a film I could really lampoon. Or could I? Gee, it really pisses me off when I get a sniff at an 'art house' film that could be a target for my special brand of ruthless wit. Especiallly when such films are chock a block full of lusty sex and offer little else in the way of a real cinematic experience. But alas, on this occassion, I am stymied, totally frustrated. I'm like a tiger in a cage, prowling behind the bars, getting a sniff of those tasty morsals on the other side and knowing I can't sink my fangs into just one hapless victim and draw blood. Oh woe is me, just when I really want to let loose I have to admit the whole truth and nothing but the horrible truth. While "Sex and Lucia" has an abundance of naked bodies and plently of lusty sex scenes there is quite a solid and intriguing story here. Oh sure there's plenty of nudity with Lucia proudly displaying her lucious firm young body. And yes there are numerous camera angles exposing Lucias buttocks, breasts, her neatly trimmed fanny and those inviting lips wet, quivering in anticipation of sex. You know, everything that would tittilate a red blooded male and tempt a career priest to break his vows. Then there are those wonderful moments when love brings Lucia and Lorenzo together in a free for all sexual frenzy. Oh me, Oh my, when these two hit the screen naked and writhing, moaniing and groaning it's time to head for the shower guys. The cold shower that is. It is during these moments of sweaty penetration, when the old polaroid camera comes out to record all sorts of erotic images that we realize how much Lucia truly does love Lorenzo. This love, this sex, this constant bombardment upon her body by Lorenzo's member is highly dangerous to even a fit and obviously healthy young thing like Lucia, for at that moment when all the bells are ringing, as Lorenzo is going at it, hammering the hell out of her, Lucia screams in terror, "I'm dying, I'm dying". I felt so in touch with her at that point. I could relate to that I thought. But what a way to go!! It was during these magical moments when ones spirit becomes enjoined to the character seen on screen that I started to question if there was a problem with the airconditioning in the theatre. It may have been my fertile imagination but I could have sworn the temperature was on the up, way up. I loosened the collar on my shirt, which suddenly felt a little tight, wiped the sweat from my brow and tried my darndest to keep my mind on the job, but it kept drifting back to those polaroid photos. At last I had a straw to clutch too. Didn't that go out with the 70's. I mean, in those days everyone had a polaroid in the bedroom, didn't they? Surely Lucia and Lorenzo would have a digital camera. Now that would make sense. After all, they did have a computer. Thankfully there was more to come in "Sex and Lucia" and it was all good. How delightful, those scenes of a heart broken Lucia strolling totally naked along the gleaming white sands of Lorenzo's island. Even more delightful those scenes of Lucia swimming naked in its inviting clear, blue waters under a beating sun. Good as they were, nothing compared to the gasp drawn from the audience when Lucia emerged from the ocean, water beading on her magnificent body. My eyes rolled as I clutched the arms of my seat tightly and fought of a fainting spell. But, ever the professional and knowing how disappointed my readers would be if I failed them on this momentuous occassion, I soldiered on like a real trooper. Like Rocky, I refused to throw in the towel. My head may have been spinning but the old survival instinct was still there. And survive I did, emerging from the theatre, the blood coursing through my veins I could hardly contain my excitement for I had seen the light, "Sex and Lucia" wasn't about sex with Lucia, far from it. No "Sex and Lucia" was about relationships, the entanglement of life, the challenges we must all face in the cruel harsh light of day, of surving the darkets moments, of rising to the challenge and last but not least, of just 'getting on with it'. Which leads to a more sensible look at the real story behind "Sex and Lucia". Like how did acclaimed director, writer Julio Medem come up with such a tasty dish? It seems he was looking for a warmer climate than that in the dual Goya Award winning "Los amantes del círculo polar" ("Lovers of the Arctic Circle"). It seems that, after he'd finished directing "Lovers Of The Artic Circle", Medem was looking for something with a less downbeat approach to human relationships. 'I was actually trying to escape myself with this film," Medem says. "The atmosphere and light on this Mediterranean island allows you to use a lighter touch, to become something new, to leave your old self behind.” Originally Medem had started out by writing "Sex And Lucia" for Paz Vega's co-star Najwa Nimri who appears as Elena. Medem had a less tragic end in plan for Nimri than that she suffered in "Lovers Of The Artic Circle". And Medem also wanted to work with his girlfriend, Montse Sanz to whom he dedicated "Sex And Lucia". The inspiration for "Sex and Lucia" came when Medem was holidaying on the tiny island of Formentera. Medem knew immediately he had found the setting for his next film. The inspiration was also there for a novel and Medem worked simultaneously on both. Medem began by developing the character of Lucía and the island [refered to in his film as Lorenzos Island] which she escapes too. Simultaneously Medem worked on his novel entitled "El Sexo" This would later become a seperate script. After a year and eight drafts, Medem had joined both scripts together and created "Sex and Lucia". So how did the alluring Paz Vega get the nod over the gorgeous Najwa Nimri? It seems that Medem interpreted the character of Lucía as one which demanded "an actress that could convey vulnerability and combine it with sex appeal." When asked about finding that 'special' actress who could portray Lucia and his choice of Paz Vega Medem says, "You could maybe say she is strong, and yet feminine. I found Paz Vega, who I think is wonderful." That Medem is fully commited to any project he works on is testified by his insistence on long rehersal periods before the actual shooting commences. In the industry of film making it has become his trademark. Medem believes that this intense, demanding approach helps bring the actors closer to his words helping him bring the characters to life from his script pages. He explained, "During the rehearsals, I try to get to the center of the character with the actor, and once I feel we have captured the character, I get out and look at it from the outside. It’s a very intense process during which things start to change." It has worked well in the past with both his films "Lovers Of The Artic Circle" and "The Red Squirrel". Finally there are two standout contributions above all those mention aldready. They are the Art Direction by Montse Sanz and the breath taking Cinematography by Kiko de la Rica. Their contribution with the beautiful images particularly those on the island, are truly indelible to the mind.
"SEX AND LUCIA" was written and directed by Julio Medem whose award winning career began with his first film, "Vacas" ["Cows"]. The film received the Goya for Best New Director; won the BFI’s Sutherland Trophy for “The Most Original and Imaginative First Film Shown in Great Britain;” the Best Film at the Turin Film Festival; and the Grand Prix at the Tokyo International Film Festival. "La Ardilla Roja" ["The Red Squirrel"] continued his raves by winning the Audience Award for Best Foreign Film at the Cannes Film Festival; the Special Jury Award and Critics Award at the Gerander Fantastic Film Festival; the Golden Palm Award for Outstanding Independent Film at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival; Film Creation of the Year at the Luis Bunuel Awards; and Film Revelation of the Year by Positif Magazine in France. The film also garnered Medem a Special Award for Direction at the Denver International Film Festival.
"SEX AND LUCIA" stars Paz Vega the winner of this year’s Goya Award for Best New Actress for her portrayal of Lucía ["Solo Mia", "Nobody Knows Anybody", "I Will Survive" & "Zapping"], Tristán Ulloa ["Mensaka", "Rewind", "Beat" & "Open Your Eyes"], Najwa Nimri ["Open Your Eyes", "The Citizen", "Before Night Falls" & "Fausto 5.0"], Daniel Freire ["Impulsos", "Sagitario", "El Censor" & "Un Muro de silencio"] and Elena Anaya ["Talk To Her", "Fading Memories", "Where The World Ends" & "Black Tears"]. The Story

"It's warm and open to the idea of sex, unlike other recent films such as Romance, Lies, Fat Girl and Intimacy that purported to explore sex, but in the end were just as repressed as any Hollywood movie." Jeffrey M Anderson SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER

Lucias relationship with writer Lorenzo has ended distastrously. There relationship has deteriorated dramatically and try as she might Lorenzo is becoming more withdrawn and very unstable. She rushes to his apartment, frantic that he may harm himself but it is empty. Then the phone rings. The news is bad. Then she notices his letter to her. The phone rings again but she cannot pick it up. Distraught Lucia flees with a few of her belongings leaving behind, scattered across the floor, polaroid memories of their happier days. Life will never be the same. In her mind she revisits the joy of their relationship reliving their time together. It is then that she decides to visit the Island. Lorenzo's Island. Perhaps here she will find answers and rediscover life. Once there her mind flashes back to Lorenzo and their wonderful sexual adventures. She spends her days swimming naked in the islands blue waters or lying on its pure white sands while exposing every inch of her body to the sun. Then she meets the beautiful Elena and the handsome Carlos. The Verdict "Don't let the sex fool you folks, this is pretty reasonable stuff and a hell of a lot of fun to watch and take in. There's a tricky storyline, some beautiful settings and a good cast. "Sex and Lucia" is a real charmer provided you don't let the sex distract you. Certainly gets a big tick." The Cast

Paz Vega Tristán Ulloa Najwa Nimri Daniel Freire Elena Anaya Javier Cámara Silvia Llanos Diana Suárez Juan Fernández Charo Zapardiel María Álvarez Javier Coromina Arsenio León Alesandra Alvarez David Bulnes José Ferreira

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Lucía Lorenzo Álvarez Elena Carlos/Antonio Castillov Belén Lozano Pepe Luna Manuela Lozano Boss Midwife Nurse Vendor in Refreshments Kiosk Zuniga Luna [1yo] Porno Actor Emplastro

The Crew Directed by Julio Medem Produced by Fernando Bovaira & Enrique López Lavigne Writer Julio Medem Original Music by Alberto Iglesias Cinematography by Kiko de la Rica Film Editing by Iván Aledo Casting by Sara Bilbatúa Art Direction by Montse Sanz Costume Design by Estíbaliz Markiegi Makeup Artist Gregorio Ros Hair Stylist Juan Rodríguez Valverde Production Managers Anna Cassina & Teresa Cepeda Production Supervisors Iñaki Rubio & Eugenia Soler Run Time 128 minutes Rated R18+ [AUST] Copyright ©2003 - Palm Pictures - All Rights Reserved ©2003 - Impact Internet Services & The Movie Pages - All Rights Reserved