Colloquially-told story of a few days in the life of Marieta, who's saving money for the last operation in her change from man to woman. She works as a prostitute in Madrid and longs for a legitimate job. Whenever she builds up her savings, her housemate and best friend Tomás finds ways to spend, lose, or cost her those funds. She meets Raúl, whom she likes and who likes her; the trouble is he also likes that part of her she wants removed. If that's not enough, she also has narcolepsy, and when she conks out, she dreams of musical-theater numbers in which she's the singing and dancing star. Are these dreams always going to be 20 centimeters out of reach?
Size plays a major role in this brash, vivacious concoction of dark comedy, light drama and musical performance.
– Laura Kern,
New York Times,
30 Oct 2006
rotten:
Here's yet another self-consciously 'Almodovarian' confection, studded with small odes to the glory of self-creation.
– Scott Brown,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Nov 2006
fresh:
Director Ramon Salazar, in only his second feature, distinguishes himself from others who so less effectively bend genres, and genders.
– John Anderson,
Newsday,
1 Nov 2006
fresh:
Showing a stylistic bravura and confidence rare among upcoming Spanish helmers, Ramon Salazar's campy 20 Centimeters is a self-regarding but vastly entertaining sophomore effort.
– Jonathan Holland,
Variety,
9 Nov 2006
rotten:
There's not much to savor in the way of plot, and the film aimlessly wanders through Marietta's life.