The days when telenovelas revolved around a romance and all the things that affected it went down the drain! Just when we thought all hope was lost in the area of Mexican telenovelas, a small light shone on the screen. That light was called El manantial. Starring Adela Noriega, Mauricio Islas, Alejandro Tommassi, Daniela Romo, and Karyme Lozano, the soap tells the story of two lovers who dare not cross the boundaries set by their rival families, the Valdez and Ramirez. Alfonsina and Alejandro fall in love without knowing the truth about the rivalry that surrounds both of them. Years back, Justo Ramirez ,played magnificently by Tommassi, suffered an "accident" after Rigoberto(special appearance by Cesar Evora) found him with his wife. Rigoberto was murdered by Fransisca(a heartwrenching performance by the one and only Azela Robinson) and that is where the hate begins. But love is stronger and despite Barbara ,Lozano's young villain character, they manage to overcome obstacles like Alfonsina's rape at Justo's hands and the lie about how both of them are kin to each other. El Manantial was an excellent telenovela, well written, fast paced, and well acted! The novela has a violent start but its well justified in the story and the acting is superb! The only other novelas that have satisfied me to the degree of this one have been Amarte es mi pecado, Amor Real, and Rubi. I totally recommend it and you can buy the DVD at Blockbuster, Wal Mart, or Target! Watch it!
Review of The Spring
