Fernanda, a Brazilian transsexual, embarks on a trip to Italy, where some of her friends are working as prostitutes. She figures that working there will help her get the money for the operation that will make her a woman, something she has always wanted, but never had the means to pay for the costly procedure. Basically, Fernanda is a good soul trapped in a man's body; even though Fernanda has enlarged her breasts, she is not completely sure of the next step.
We first meet Fernanda on the train that is taken her to Milano. After the police begin to check on documents, they discover his passport photo which shows a man. She is arrested and she suffers a humiliating experience when the officer in charge wants to take advantage of her. After she arrives in Milan, her friend Charlo takes her to meet Karin, an Italian woman who controls the action in that part of town. Karin puts her through the test with Fabrizio, a kind soul who is connected to Karin's circle. Karin eventually invites her to move in with her.
Fernanda has an encounter with a man that will change her life. Gianni, the man that invites her for a ride in his car, acts shyly at first, but Fernanda, who turns aggressive, gets him aroused, until he discovers this girl has some attribute he never guessed she had. Disgusted by his discovery, Gianni throws Fernanda from the car, almost naked.
Gianni, whose conscience must have bothered him, comes back to return Fernanda's things and invites her to dinner the following night. Karin, who senses Fernanda is falling in love, warns her about it, but Fernanda feels Gianni is an honest man. Gianni eventually leaves his wife and moves in with Fernanda into what appears a blissful relationship. She has started to take the medicine before her operation, but they have a bad effect on her. When Gianni's estranged wife comes to visit Fernanda, she understands her life with Gianni was doomed.
Director Fernando Goldman offers a frank account on the life of these transsexuals that are found all over Europe as they engage in prostitution. It appears the more exotic the transsexual, the more demand for them from the men that love that type of sexual encounter. Mr. Goldman presents this crude story without embellishments, which in a way is a more realistic approach to the lives he is examining. Don't expect a "Pretty Woman" here, this is the way these people live and are exploited by the system.
Ingrid DeSouza makes an impression with her take on Fernanda, who is a backward girl who learns quickly about how to peddle herself in the new environment. Ms. DeSouza is perfect for the part. Cesare Bocci, who plays Gianni, makes a valuable contribution in making his character someone who is believable without being a caricature. Lulu Pecorari is also wonderful as Karin, the kind hearted woman who knows Fernanda is making a big mistake when she goes to live with Gianni.
"Princesa" is worth a look because the excellent direction by Fernando Goldman who shows he knows these women and their world.
We first meet Fernanda on the train that is taken her to Milano. After the police begin to check on documents, they discover his passport photo which shows a man. She is arrested and she suffers a humiliating experience when the officer in charge wants to take advantage of her. After she arrives in Milan, her friend Charlo takes her to meet Karin, an Italian woman who controls the action in that part of town. Karin puts her through the test with Fabrizio, a kind soul who is connected to Karin's circle. Karin eventually invites her to move in with her.
Fernanda has an encounter with a man that will change her life. Gianni, the man that invites her for a ride in his car, acts shyly at first, but Fernanda, who turns aggressive, gets him aroused, until he discovers this girl has some attribute he never guessed she had. Disgusted by his discovery, Gianni throws Fernanda from the car, almost naked.
Gianni, whose conscience must have bothered him, comes back to return Fernanda's things and invites her to dinner the following night. Karin, who senses Fernanda is falling in love, warns her about it, but Fernanda feels Gianni is an honest man. Gianni eventually leaves his wife and moves in with Fernanda into what appears a blissful relationship. She has started to take the medicine before her operation, but they have a bad effect on her. When Gianni's estranged wife comes to visit Fernanda, she understands her life with Gianni was doomed.
Director Fernando Goldman offers a frank account on the life of these transsexuals that are found all over Europe as they engage in prostitution. It appears the more exotic the transsexual, the more demand for them from the men that love that type of sexual encounter. Mr. Goldman presents this crude story without embellishments, which in a way is a more realistic approach to the lives he is examining. Don't expect a "Pretty Woman" here, this is the way these people live and are exploited by the system.
Ingrid DeSouza makes an impression with her take on Fernanda, who is a backward girl who learns quickly about how to peddle herself in the new environment. Ms. DeSouza is perfect for the part. Cesare Bocci, who plays Gianni, makes a valuable contribution in making his character someone who is believable without being a caricature. Lulu Pecorari is also wonderful as Karin, the kind hearted woman who knows Fernanda is making a big mistake when she goes to live with Gianni.
"Princesa" is worth a look because the excellent direction by Fernando Goldman who shows he knows these women and their world.