Watch Naked Tango

Naked Tango is a 1990 drama film directed by Leonard Schrader and stars Vincent D'Onofrio, Mathilda May, and Fernando Rey. The film is a sensual and provocative exploration of love, greed, power, and passion set in the 1920s in Argentina. The film opens with Cholo, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, a young American thief who arrives in Buenos Aires after stealing a large sum of money from a Chicago mob boss. He is pursued by the mob boss's enforcer, and after barely escaping arrest, Cholo loses all his money in a card game. He is then offered a job by the most powerful man in the city, Osvaldo Segura, played by Fernando Rey, to teach his young wife, Elena, played by Mathilda May, how to dance the tango.

Elena is a beautiful and independent woman who has an interest in dance and is trying to find her place in a society dominated by men. She is fascinated by Cholo's raw and passionate approach to the dance and his outsider status. Cholo, who is not used to dealing with high-society women, is initially skeptical about the job but quickly realizes that it is an opportunity for him to get close to Segura and to use the situation to his advantage.

As Cholo and Elena spend more time together, they begin a tumultuous and passionate affair. The tension between them grows as their feelings for each other deepen and they become increasingly entangled in Segura's web of power and corruption. The film explores the complex and sometimes destructive nature of desire, and the consequences of trying to navigate desire within a world that is controlled by others.

Naked Tango is a visually stunning film with richly textured visuals that capture the vibrant and colorful world of Buenos Aires in the 1920s. The dance scenes are beautifully choreographed and provide a dynamic backdrop for the unfolding drama. The film also features a haunting and evocative musical score that immerses the viewer in the sensual and intense atmosphere of the story.

Vincent D'Onofrio gives a powerful and charismatic performance as Cholo, balancing the character's rough exterior with his vulnerability and sensitivity. Mathilda May brings a fiery and passionate energy to the role of Elena, capturing both her strength and vulnerability as she navigates the conflicting emotions of love and desire. Fernando Rey is commanding as the powerful and enigmatic Segura, who is both manipulative and protective of his wife.

Naked Tango is a film that explores the complexities of relationships, desire, and power in a world that is both seductive and dangerous. It is a sensual and provocative work that is both visually and emotionally impactful, offering a unique and compelling perspective on the tango and the social dynamics of Argentina during the 1920s.