Cinema is a complex art form, but it is one of the highest forms of expressionism in the entertainment capital. Though themes and tropes are diversified based on the vision boards imagined through the lens of creators, if treated with justice, cinema can form, shape, make, or break identities, cultures, and traditions. While cinema is also a celebration, let us rewind the cinematic clock to the 2002 flick to become acquainted with Frida Kahlo, the celebrated Mexican painter.

For those who have not watched the film yet, here is everything they need to know.

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter famous for her portraits, self-portraits, and canvas works inspired by Mexico’s nature, artefacts, and popular culture. Her work is exemplary in utilizing the naïve folk art style, which explores the questions of identity, gender, class, race, and post-colonialism in Mexican society. Frida (2002) is Julie Taymor’s biographical film about the surrealist painter, Kahlo. Clancy Sigal, Diane Lane, Gregory Nava, Anna Thomas, Antonio Banderas, and Edward Norton (unofficially) adapted the film from Hayden Herrera’s 1983 biography of Kahlo.

The film stars Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo, Alfred Molina as Diego Rivera, Geoffrey Rush as Leon Trotsky, Mia Maestro as Cristina Kahlo, Ashley Judd as Tina Modotti, Banderas as David Alfaro Siqueiros, Norton as Nelson Rockefeller, Diego Luna as Alejandro Gómez Arias, Margarita Sanz as Natalia Sedova, and Patricia Reyes Spindola as Matilde Kahlo. Roger Rees as Guillermo Kahlo, Valeria Golino as Lupe Marin, Omar Rodriguez as Andre Barton, Felipe Fulop as Jean van Heijenoort, Saffron Burrows as Gracie, and Karine Plantadit-Bageot as Josephine Baker complete the cast.

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While the starship is as incredible as it could be, what is the story of Frida?

Frida follows Frida Kahlo’s life, which changed forever in 1925 when a bus accident left her with lifelong injuries. During recovery, she began painting as a therapeutic outlet. She met muralist Diego Rivera while gaining her ability to work, and they started a tumultuous relationship marked by infidelity on both sides. Their marriage was complicated, with Rivera’s affair with Kahlo’s sister Cristina being a significant blow. The film also chronicles Kahlo’s affair with Leon Trotsky, leading to further strain in their relationship.

In the years that followed, Kahlo faced numerous health challenges, including amputation of her toes and later her leg. Despite the struggles, she continued to paint. In 1953, she attended her first solo exhibition in Mexico while bedridden. Her bed was carried to a museum in her native land, showcasing her grit and resilience for her art. While Hollywood has highlighted many biopics since the dawn of showbiz, and many more are in the making, Frida went on to receive six nominations at the 75th Academy Awards, winning for Best Makeup and Best Original Score.

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Have you watched Frida? Let us know in the comments below!