'La Mujer de Mi Hermano' is heavy on melodrama

First-time Peruvian director Ricardo de Montreuil's "La Mujer de Mi Hermano" may have been a blockbuster in Central and South America, but its popularity is probably due more to the attractive, multinational-Latino cast than to its storytelling.

The film follows a beautiful woman who finds the passion that's missing in her marriage in the arms of her husband's brother.

Lions Gate Films 'La Mujer De Mi Hermano' 2 out of 5 stars Director: Ricardo de Montreuil Starring: Bárbara Mori, Christian Meier, Manolo Cardona, Gaby Espino, Beto Cuevas, Bruno Bichir, Angélica Aragón Run time: 89 minutes Release date: November 4, 2005 Rating: R for sexuality and language See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'La Mujer De Mi Hermano'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Based on the novella of screenwriter Jaime Bayly, de Montreuil's countryman, the film tackles subjects such as abortion and homosexuality, topics particularly sensitive in Latin America. Unfortunately, the movie's short running time makes it impossible to create depth. What you end up with is a slow, soapy melodrama.

The predictable story unfolds too neatly, resulting in one-dimensional characters who fulfill their desires but pay for their moral crimes. Through it all, a nagging disconnection among the players makes it difficult to care for them or get involved in the story.

It's hard to buy into the unaffectionate 10-year marriage between Zoe (Uruguayan-born Barbara Morí of the hit telenovela "Rubí") and Ignacio (Peruvian pop-rocker Christian Meier). But it's even harder to swallow the advice Zoe receives from her gay best friend, Boris (respected Mexican actor Bruno Bichir) — even if it's the film's only comic relief.

Because the story takes place in Mexico (filmed in Santiago, Chile), de Montreuil insists that his actors use a Mexican dialect, which becomes a distraction for those who can tell the difference.

Though it's disconcerting to hear some South American actors, such as Meier, try to deliver their lines this way, props must be given to Colombian Manolo Cardona (Gonzalo, Ignacio's brother) who sounds surprisingly fluid delivering Mexican street slang.

Among the film's redeeming qualities is its polished cinematography. Director of photography André s San-chez composes a fresh and energetic look — impressive considering the film's drab palette.

Fans of Latino alternative rock will appreciate that de Montreuil remembers his roots and brings to his feature debut some of the acts that made him a successful music video director.

Aside from music veteran Meier, the film also features the acting debut of Beto Cuevas (of Chilean rock group La Ley) and has cameos by Jonaz and Alejandro Rosso of Mexico's alternative rock band Plastilina Mosh, a band planning an Austin gig in May.

Though one scene includes Plastilina Mosh's "Álo," the song does not make the film's soundtrack. The good news is that the CD does contain other artists, such as Andrea Echeverri (of Aterciopelados), Intoxicados, Kemo The Blaxican, Bitman & Roban and The Pinker Tones.