ClassyWas Excellent, smart action film.

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

pointyfilippa The movie runs out of plot and jokes well before the end of a two-hour running time, long for a light comedy.

Cassandra Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

rick morrow The true meaning of romance can be found, seen and felt in this film. One only needs to look into the eyes of the Celia and Charles and listen to their words and feel the passion they both express to be loved. Sofio Milos does a magnificent portrayal of a Portuguese woman who once found love with a man that only a few would ever find and after his death she knew it would be her last gift. In steps Charles and as far as Celia is concerned, he doesn't really exist because of her love for her husband and honor, would not allow any other man in her life. With a little help from her daughter and the persistence of Charles driven by is on own passion to win Celia's heart, to be loved again.

conceicao_ramos I do agree with the comments I have read. The film is a fine romantic pic, and when I wasn't thinking it pretended to be about Portuguese people who live in USA, I almost enjoyed it. I think films have a double role: to entertain and teach us something. What can people, who don't know Portugal or Portuguese people, learn with a film about "Portuguese", if people doesn't speak Portuguese, and even their names aren't common Portuguese names and surnames? It's a kind of arrogance and ignorance to make a film about Portuguese and be misinformed that much. Only in Hollywood, it's possible to make a film in which the only things really Portuguese are fado and sardines... Even the music at the popular party is a bad sample of Brazilian music. It's a shame!

pied Too bad that the most beautiful films have the skimpiest release dates. This treasure probably slipped by all but the discerning moviegoer.Passionada has going for it: Perfect Setting--New Bedford, Massachusetts, a little bit of Portugal.Perfect Casting-- Milos as Celia Andonte, a Portuguese widow. Celia is supporting her mother-in-law and teenage daughter. She sews in a textile mill by day, sings in a cabaret by night haunting Portuguese ballads. Through her singing, she tells us of her love and longing for Joseph, her dead husband.Jason Isaacs--the Brit who is a professional card counter, down on his luck. He is fascinated by Celia, a falls for her completely and very much against his own will.Emily Rossum as the teenage daughter playing her as rebellious but loving.Perfect music and background themes.MIlos as Celia is entirely believable. We know she loved her dead husband passionately, thinks she has died with him, but the passion is there. It slowly comes alive again when she meets Charley Beck (Isaacs) Charley Beck (Isaacs) plays his part so that the viewer almost falls in love with Celia through him.Passionada is an altogether satisfying experience.

pam-106 Passionada is such an unpretentious movie that its unique charm and superb craft sneak up on you, and by the end, win you over in such a refreshing way that is really stays with you...and for me, that's the sign of a wonderful movie!I haven't felt so good watching a movie this simple in a long time. And, if its complexity you're looking for, I suggest you see Dan Ireland's other film, The Whole Wide World. But, for me, Passionada may look simple, but to pull off what Ireland does so successfully here is an almost next to impossible feat. This is a sunny, optimistic celebration of love and second chances, told with the artistry of a European master. In a world of 'edge' from independent filmmakers, this is a welcome and refreshing departure. It's almost like you have been transported back in time to a happier, more care free world, where the most important thing is family, community and personal happiness. Sound unusual?The cast is sublime, especially Sofia Milos. What a beauty, what a performance! She's a cross between Anna Magnani and Sophia Loren, with a little Irene Pappas thrown in for a chaser. Emmy Rossum is going to be a big star, and like Renee Zellweger, she owes Ireland big time in his brave choice of casting her in a role (I read that she was 14 at the time) that she wasn't old enough to play, but did it so beautifully! Also, like what The Whole Wide World did for Zellweger (she got Jerry Maguire from it), I hear this film brought Rossum to the attention of Joel Schumacher who cast her in the lead role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera.Jason Isaacs is perfect in a very difficult part, but he plays it to Cary Grant perfection. This should open eyes to those that only think he can play a villain.The score by the always amazing Harry Gregson-Williams, the intoxicating singing of Fado songs and the sumptuous cinematography by Ireland's long time collaborator, Claudio Rocha are nothing less than first rate.If you want to be taken to a world where you've never been before, rent this DVD. Such a shame it was wasted in its brief theatrical release. Don't let this one slip by. If you long for a film that will make you feel good, here it is. Do yourself a BIG favor.