Overview
A young woman's heart is torn between duty and desire in a world of political ambition.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- melancholic
- sensual
- dramatic
- historical romance night
- adult drama evening
What critics said
Critics broadly viewed the film as an effective, richly acted Mexican period romance and drama, while noting some conventionality in its treatment of its material.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Catalina's arranged marriage to the influential Andres Ascencio binds domestic loyalty to his political career and authority.
Catalina gradually resists the expectations of a loyal, loving political wife as her independence develops.
Andres's rise as a politician shapes Catalina's marriage, loyalties, and emotional relationships.
The story is set in 1930s Puebla, where political prominence and traditional gender roles structure everyday life.
Films like Tear This Heart Out, and why
The Piano
period romance centered on a woman navigating patriarchal power and an oppressive marriage
Like Water for Chocolate
lush historical drama about female autonomy, social constraint, and forbidden desire
The House of the Spirits
political period drama combining romantic entanglement, ambition, and disillusionment
Movie Details
- Director
- Roberto Sneider
- Release Date
- 2008-09-12
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Rating
- 7.9 / 10 (133)
Cast
- Ana Claudia Talancón
- Daniel Giménez Cacho
- José María de Tavira
- Joaquín Cosío
- Isela Vega
- Delia Casanova
- Ana Ofelia Murguía
- Álex Perea
- Julio Bracho
- Alberto Guerra
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- ViX Premium Amazon Channel
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Tear This Heart Out about?
- A young woman in 1930s Puebla struggles to reclaim her identity from a powerful politician husband whose public ambition governs their private life.
- What is Tear This Heart Out like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Tear This Heart Out as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Tear This Heart Out violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Tear This Heart Out as mild.
- What did critics think of Tear This Heart Out?
- Critics broadly viewed the film as an effective, richly acted Mexican period romance and drama, while noting some conventionality in its treatment of its material.
- Which films are like Tear This Heart Out?
- Films with a similar feel include The Piano, Like Water for Chocolate, and The House of the Spirits.
- How long is Tear This Heart Out?
- Tear This Heart Out runs 107 minutes.
- Where can I watch Tear This Heart Out?
- In United States, Tear This Heart Out streams on ViX Premium Amazon Channel.
