The Reasons of the Heart Poster

The Reasons of the Heart 2011

★ 6.011 votes119 min📅 2011-10-07

Acclaimed Mexican auteur Arturo Ripstein reimagines Flaubert's classic tale of yearning and disillusionment in his 2011 drama *The Reasons of the Heart*.

Director: Arturo Ripstein

Cast

Arcelia Ramírez
Arcelia Ramírez
Emilia
Vladimir Cruz
Vladimir Cruz
Nicolás
Plutarco Haza
Plutarco Haza
Javier
Patricia Reyes Spíndola
Patricia Reyes Spíndola
Doña Ruti
Alejandro Suárez
Alejandro Suárez
Jasper
Pilar Padilla
Pilar Padilla
Jaquie
Paola Arroyo
Isabel
Carlos Chávez
Carlos Chávez
Fumigator
Eligio Meléndez
Eligio Meléndez
Lawyer
Marta Aura
Marta Aura
Emilia's mother

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Reasons of the Heart (2011) about?

The film centers on Emilia, a housewife whose monotonous life in Mexico City is upended when she loses both her lover and her credit card. Left adrift, she confronts the emptiness of her existence and the futility of her romantic escapism.

Who directed The Reasons of the Heart?

Mexican director Arturo Ripstein, known for his bold and often controversial takes on human desire, helmed the film. His work frequently explores themes of obsession and societal constraints.

Who stars in The Reasons of the Heart?

The film features Arcelia Ramírez in the lead role, supported by Vladimir Cruz as her lover and Plutarco Haza, Patricia Reyes Spíndola, and Pilar Padilla in key performances.

Is The Reasons of the Heart (2011) worth watching?

While it lacks an IMDb rating, *The Reasons of the Heart* is a compelling drama for fans of character-driven storytelling. Ripstein's direction and Ramírez's performance elevate the familiar premise into a haunting exploration of love and despair, making it a rewarding watch for those who appreciate arthouse cinema.

How long is The Reasons of the Heart?

The film runs for 119 minutes (1 hour and 59 minutes).

The Reasons of the Heart (2011) — A Gritty Modern Retelling of 'Madame Bovary'

Acclaimed Mexican auteur Arturo Ripstein reimagines Flaubert's classic tale of yearning and disillusionment in his 2011 drama *The Reasons of the Heart*. Set against the bustling backdrop of Mexico City, the film follows Emilia, a middle-class housewife trapped in the stifling routine of domestic life. When her carefully constructed world unravels after losing both her lover and her financial lifeline, Emilia spirals into a desperate search for meaning. With lush visuals and raw emotional depth, Ripstein crafts a poignant meditation on desire, betrayal, and the fragile illusions we cling to.

Starring Arcelia Ramírez as the restless Emilia, Vladimir Cruz as her enigmatic lover, and Plutarco Haza in a standout supporting role, the film blends romance and drama into a searing character study. The Reasons of the Heart (2011) lingers on questions of identity and agency, painting a vivid portrait of modern loneliness. Available to stream or download on select platforms, this atmospheric narrative lingers long after the credits roll.