SummarySet in Cuba in the early 1900's, this is a sexy, suspenseful thriller about the dangerous and sometimes lethal power of love and obsession. (MGM)
Directed By:Michael Cristofer
Written By:Cornell Woolrich, Michael Cristofer
Original Sin
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
33
User score
Generally Favorable
6.4
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Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
33
13% Positive
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
33% Mixed
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
54% Negative
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
75
The movie is not intended to be subtle. It is sweaty, candle-lit melodrama, joyously trashy, and its photography wallows in sumptuous decadence.
60
Ridiculous, yes, but in an eminently watchable way. Most of the plot twists work surprisingly well, and the frequently naked leads work up some genuine chemistry.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.4
47% Positive
18 Ratings
18 Ratings
42% Mixed
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
11% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Jan 5, 2018
9
The film's plot, script, and acting are only average, but the film is buoyed by some sizzling chemistry between Jolie and Banderas. Their sex scenes are extremely memorable, so make sure you get an un-edited version (unrated). Banderas plays a wealthy Cuban coffee farmer whose dedication to his trade has thus-far distracted him from the important business of finding a good wife. Using a matchmaker, he agrees to marry a woman from Connecticuit. He has been dishonest, however, in describing himself as a man of only average means. Banderas admits his dishonesty to his new wife (Jolie). However, it soon becomes clear that there is more to her than meets the eye, as well. Soon Banderas becomes so obsessed with Jolie that her lies destroy his entire life. He is well aware of what is happening every step of the way, but he doesn't care. So, this is an interesting movie for a few reasons. As stated above, the sex scenes are among the best ever filmed. It is also novel to see a film about a man who is actually obsessed about his own wife. I personally could identify with Banderas in his willingness to give up everything for woman he knows he cannot trust. Heck, it happens to the best of us.
50
It's not nearly as mediocre a two hours as the trailers would have you think.
30
Aficionados of movies in the so-bad-they're-good category might just revel in this overheated costume melodrama.
25
It's one bad apple.
20
An early scene inside a theater seems intended to wink at Sin's critics: "Disgusting! Cheap melodrama," a lady sniffs during intermission. It's a neatly reflexive acknowledgement of what we ourselves are watching, but even at that, our filmmaker is praising himself too extravagantly by half.
10
Doesn't even have earnestness going for it -- a tepid, blindly assembled post-noir.
Mar 7, 2025
3
Original Sin starts off strong with an intriguing setup, stylish cinematography, and some well-framed wide shots that give it a classic, almost dreamlike feel. The direction is solid in the first act, pulling you into a world of mystery and romance, but as the film progresses, it starts to feel a bit uneven. There are moments where the storytelling builds tension effectively, but then it stumbles with some forced scenes that don't entirely fit the character arcs. The script is melodramatic, leaning into its themes of obsession and betrayal, though it sometimes feels more like it's trying to be provocative rather than meaningful. Angelina Jolie carries the film effortlessly, giving a performance that elevates even the weaker parts of the script. Antonio Banderas does well too, but his character feels more reactive than driving the story. The chemistry is there, but certain scenes, especially one in particular, feel out of place given the way the characters were set up earlier. The score complements the film's mood but isn’t particularly memorable. Overall, Original Sin is a stylish but flawed film that keeps you watching, even if it never fully delivers on its initial promise.
Production Company:
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- Hyde Park Entertainment
- Via Rosa Productions
- DiNovi Pictures
- Intermedia Films
- UGC International
- Epsilon Motion Pictures
- Estudios Churubusco Azteca S.A.
Release Date:Aug 3, 2001
Duration:1 h 56 m
Rating:R
Tagline:Obsession. Lies. Desire. Lust...
Awards
Razzie Awards
• 1 Nomination
The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards
• 1 Nomination




























