Isabel: The Intimate Story of Isabel Allende
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Isabel: The Intimate Story of Isabel Allende
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Isabel: The Intimate Story of Isabel Allende is a biographical drama about the popular Chilean author Isabel Allende. The story focuses on how her writing career began and how her success influenced her personal life. Thanks to her journalism, Allende has some involvement in Chilean politics, and some political violence is part of the plot. However, on-screen violence is restrained and not much is shown. The series focuses more on Allende's relationships and (as the title implies) her intimate life. Sex is a frequent topic in Allende's writing, but sexual content is limited to discussion and some clothed bedroom scenes. Mild profanity is sometimes used and includes "s--t," "damn," "hell," etc.
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What's the Story?
ISABEL: THE INTIMATE STORY OF ISABEL ALLENDE is a biographic mini-series about the life of popular Chilean writer Isabel Allende (Daniela Ramírez). When Allende has the opportunity to write for a new magazine, she draws upon her relationship with her husband for inspiration. As her career takes off, her views about herself and the world begin to change, and her writing begins to deeply affect her personal life.
Is It Any Good?
Biographical films and series often crumble under the burden of having to produce something that is not only believable and dramatic, but accurate to real life. Isabel is well-made and well-acted (though the English dubbing makes it feel more like a Studio Ghibli than a serious drama), but its depiction of real life comes off as cliched. The series finds Allende struggling to balance work with family, embracing feminism, and discovering herself. In other words, it follows the same outline of a ton of other biopics, without giving viewers a real idea of what makes Allende or her work unique.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Isabel Allende. Were you familiar with her work before watching Isabel? If so, how does the series inform her work? If not, does it inspire you to read her writing? Why or why not? What does the series think is unique or special about her writing?
How does Allende's writing get her involved in politics? How does the series portray her political views? How does she use her voice? Would you consider her an activist? Why or why not?
How is feminism portrayed in Isabel? What is Allende's relationship to the idea of feminism? How does becoming a feminist effect her personal life?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 12, 2021
- Cast: Daniela Ramírez, Néstor Cantillana, Rodolfo Pulgar
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: April 11, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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For kids who love biopics
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