Madonna is fantastic in this role, and I forgot immediately who I was watching. When I went to see this film when it was first shown, I wasn't too keen on the fact that she was playing the main part, and I would have preferred a more serious actress in the role. But I have to say, she was tremendous in the part of Eva. A much better choice than say Michelle Pfeiffer, who I feel would have been much too weak in the part. Or even Barbara Streisand, Glen Close or Olivia Newton John, who were rumored to be up for the role, none of which I feel have the strength of character to have fulfilled the portraying of such a strong character. And as it stands Madonna was a perfect choice, and she did much PR to ensure herself a stab at the role. People thought Madonna was a ridiculous choice, but I have to say she has proved us all wrong. Her quality of acting was superb, and she portrayed the ruthless, determined Eva Peron with a great flair, and honesty. Madonnas voice holds up well, and I feel her vocal range was just right, without sounding too operatic.

Evita was a case of the woman behind the man of power, and she advised him every step of the way, to ensure he reach the pinnacle of his career. She was the Argentina's sweetheart. The Argentinian people could see themselves in her, and identify, and they shared an affinity, because she herself had come from a working class background, and the people looked up to her with a huge pride and passion. A modern day comparison could be Princess Diana, when the wife is more important as a spiritual figure to the people, rather than the leader of the country. This is a strong film with a powerful storyline. Some critics have viewed this film as portraying the glorification of fascism, but I think the political angle was just right. The film centres mainly on the rags to riches story of Eva Duarde, and her journey along the way. It is a film about the strength of the woman, and what ends can be obtained from sheer determination.

Anthonio Banderes was brilliant as Argentinean dissident Che Guevara, and also as the narrator throughout the film. He brings a great humour and depth of character to the role, and Jonathan Pryce as Juan Perón, was excellent, and a I felt an empathy towards the dictator. He portrayed the human qualities of the man in power, in a quiet reserved fashion. Yet held his ground, with a subdued strength, and his performance stood on a par to that of Madonna. I found his portrayal of the character to be very believable, and finely acted. Darius Khondji's cinematography was superb, capturing the authentic feel of the era, which was perfectly recreated in fine detail. Evita is a fantastic cinematic experience, the choreography is amazing. Dancing in Evita is only shown when it is in context, and the dancing in this film was truly superb, from the Flamenco to the Tango. Every step was beautifully choreographed, and in keeping with the time.

A lot of the film was shot in Argentina, and the song 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' was actually filmed on the balcony of the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires. The production was conveyed in a very realistic form, and the fact that there was not too much dancing added to it's realism, and the dancing in this film was visually amazing! The songs include You Must Love Me - Madonna Don't Cry for Me, Argentina - Madonna Another Suitcase in Another Hall - Madonna Buenos Aires - Madonna. As taken from the musical by the same name.