Caray, Caray!

Amor Bravio,La Que No podia Amar and Lo Que La Vida Me Robo.I love these novelas but out of the three i like Robo the most.
 

Oh and i also like La Madrastra too because Guillermo Garcia Cantu is one of my favorite actors.
 

Oh, where do I start?
In no particular order: Cafe con aroma de mujer, La Mentira, O Clon, Amor Bravio, Pasion Prohibida, Esmeralda...I can go on like this all day long.

Great thread, by the way!
 

Every beginning of year I make a list the 3 best novel what I said last year. So my best novelas from 2013: Rosario Tijeras, La patrona and Mentir para vivir ( I loved, but I was angry a lot near to the end).

And the present: Now i again three telenovelas and I love all of them: La impostora, Siempre tuya Acapulco, Cuando me sonreis.

I am not too interested in the actors, I search the interesting storylines, and I always watch the first 5-10 episodes, then I decide. Or I don't watch, or I warch with skipping, or I watch every episode. These three catagories are for me.

AlejoP
 

Sorry, correction!

What I watched last year....and I have again

And Happy Woman's Day for all every woman recappers and commenters
 

I'm a huge fan of novelas de epoca and I'm really upset that Televisa isn't making them at the moment. The 1993 version of Corazon Salvaje was easily one of the best ever. Ernesto Alonso was a god in that universe.

More recently I've liked the original El Clon, La Que No Podia Amar, Mi Pecado, and En Nombre del Amor. The novela de epoca I've seen most recently was Argentina's 2005 production Hombres de Honor, which took place in the 1940s. I wish I could see that one again.
 

I don't have the frame of reference Y'all have since I only watch one at a time and I have only been watching for 3 years. (Soy tu Duena, Quando me enamoro, Eva Luna, La Tempestad, La Fuerza del Destino, Teresa, Amores Verdaderos, La que no podia ajar.)
I don't take them very seriously and tend to like the ones that we make fun of. I like a good laugh in the morning. Also I like them to be fun to watch.
I think I liked Eva Luna the best, good villains. And instead of killing off the lovable old guy they hid him away and had him come back. The rags to riches story is always appealing.
La Tempestad was fun to watch.
I tend to hate them if there is too much yelling all the time.
 

I also tend to watch one telenovela at a time because i am mostly busy with highschool or watching anime and doing other stuff so if i watch many novelas at a time they tend to get in the way.
 

Great question UA. Amor Real, for me, stands above all the rest. I don't have an extensive background in telenovelas, but even if I did, that one would be the all-time winner, I think. The chemistry between the two leads was amazing, but all the roles were acted well. The side stories were interesting; it was not extended, no wasted slogs through trivia, and altogether a first-rate, unforgettable production.
 

Urban:

What a great discussion this weekend. You always come up with the best topics.

I too have not been watching TNs that long, only since 2010, but my favorites so far are: Corazon Salvaje 2009, La Madrastra (I am watching that now), Destilando Amor, La Verdad Oculta, Lo Que La Vida Me Robo, Hasta Que El Dinero No Separe, Avenida Brasil, La Tempestad, and Zorro: La Espada y La Rosa.

La Madrastra is surprising. It is sort of like a Hitchcock/Christie mystery rolled into one.
 

In no order: Cuando me Enamoro, Amor Bravio, Destilando Amor, Mentir Para Vivir (except towards the end. what a waste).

Story line interests me first. There are some actors that I particularly like and "may" choose a TN for that reason, but story has to count first. I find that I can then learn more about the actors and appreciate them more if I think about the story line first.

Silvia Navarro is just incredible to me. I could see her as a break out actress and making it to the big screen. I think she has that kind of presence and acting skill. I hope we see more of her. When I know she is on, I find that I will definitely check out that TN (so, I break my own "rules")

Demetrios, you always give me a good chuckle and I so enjoy you being a part of this group. I must say, that I think it is Absolutely Fabulous that a high school man is enjoying the TN!! What got you hooked on them?

AlejoP, amigo, it is good to see you today!

Fatima
 

Well i dont know but i glad i did,been watching novelas since i was young but i can hardly remember any rather then La Madrastra or La Fella Mas Bella.Every person has something to like and when they find it they cant get away from it,i guess it was the same for me!
 

La Fea*
 

Sorry i meant Mi Gorda Bella
 

Wow, great topic UA. I have to admit to not watching long enough to have seen some of the epic TN's that I always hear referenced. I will always have a special place in my heart for Pasion. It was the first TN I tuned into. It was fun, adventurous and had FC shirtless. And I found the Caray community. What more could a girl ask for?

But I'm agreement with Fatima: Silvia Navarro has a magic draw for me. Both Cuando and Amor B became favorites in large part because of her and the great rapport she has with her character and fellow actors.

And I will also add Teresa. Maybe not everyone's favorite, but I HAD to tune into that one each night. It was a different, there were some great surprises in actors finding their chops (SR) and it kept you guessing until the end.

There are others that come to mind that were "good" to watch, but either one of the leads didn't thrill me or it started great and became to falter as the story went along. Mi Pecado was interesting to watch, but very dark and made it hard to think whether you "liked" it or not.

Daisynjay
 

Alborada, then Amor Real. Why? They are telenovelas de epoca which also incorporated actual historical events. Not only was I learning Spanish, I was curious enough to read up on the history behind the stories. The writing was good, the directing excellent, the acting was outstanding, an they were blessedly short so didn't spiral out of control with stupid added episodes.

Alborada was my first telenovela and set the bar for me; a pretty hard act to follow.

I also consider Cuando Me Enamoro to be up there among the better telenovelas, and I thank it for introducing me to the Mexican wine country, an absolutely magical, rustic and still unspoiled place. With excellent wine.

The more one thinks, the harder it is to choose, but those are my favorites.
 

Another interesting topic UA.

Pasion, La Verdad Occulta, CS 09, Teresa, Amores Verdaderos are my first line favorites. I'll add Destilando Amor which was my first TN which introduced me to my TN galan, Eduardo Yanez.

daisy, in Pasion, FC was a charismatic, handsome swashbuckler. The perfect role for him (nothing I've seen him in since has matched the raw, mesmerizing charm he exuded). While I loved what I saw of him in Amor Real, I never saw it in its entirety so have omitted it here. I never saw Alborada but hope to as everyone speaks so highly of it.

I may add Lo Que La Vida Me Robo to the list, the acting has been stellar.

Diana
 

Although Fuego en la Sangre's extended storyline became rather a hot mess, I am tentatively adding this to my list due to of the explosive chemistry between Eduardo Yanez and Adela Noriega. There were moments when their declarations of love and their passion and tenderness seemed utterly real.

We love TNs for a variety of reasons - sometimes it truly is just for the actors (Cantu and Bracho were just some of those who added here).

Diana
 

Thanks Diana, can't believe I forgot Pasion! I would add Pasion to my close seconds list, and ahem, have never been able to give up my pirata hadle, hee!!! Is there a pattern here? FC with long hair and white billowy sleeves, occasionally showing off his hot bod. Need I say more? I don't think Pasion was as tight as Alborada and AR, but oh yes it was a deeply satisfying watch.

Wish I could have seen the original Corazon Salvaje.

Another fun costume novela was Zorro la Espada y la Rosa. Dona Barbara was also good with an interesting ending. Back to back Christian Meier, rowr!
 

What I don't like that are novelas de epoca. Perhaps because I never liked the history. But I saw Amor real in Dvd version and it wasn't too bad, but I preferred Islas than Colunga. And the second novela de epoca from that I see episodes is La pola. This columbian tn was also interesting, but the major I don't like for example, Zorro or La traicion.

And there are two actor who I can't stand, I don't watch TN-s with them where they are protagonists: they are Mario Cimarro and David Chocarro.

AlejoP.
 

Great topic!

I tend not to like the traditional telenovelas. I prefer the edgy ones, often the narconovelas. My favorites are: Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso, Muñecas de la Mafia, Rosario Tijeras, Pablo Escobar and La Reina del Sur. I also really liked Relaciones Peligrosas, because of the contemporary issues.
 

Hmmm...
Difficult question. I think that they are: "Tu o nadie", "Te sigo amando", "La que no podia amar", argentinian "Ricos y Famosos" and italian "Edera"
Why? Maybe because they all are not usual love stories.
Alegria
 

Many years ago I watched Betty La Few. Understood almost nothing but loved it and it was hilarious. Did not watch another TN for many years until La Reina Del Sir which I found compelling, and exciting. I liked Flor Salvaje and will miss Monica Spear. I also enjoyed Made in Cartagena and loved all the actors in it. Overall I like the Columbian novellas best.
 

Whoops a Betty La Fea.
 

I have 3- La Fea Mas Bella, María and Destilando Amor
 

Alegria, wow, I loved Edera, too.
What a blast from the past!
I watched it when I was still very new to tns, I think I was about 11 or 12, so the story of the long lost daughter who finds her rich family fascinated me. And that entrada song is one of my all time favorites, I still remember it perfectly!
I didn't like the second part too much, though, made me lose my faith in love for a week or two - remember, I was 12:)
I also remember Te sigo amando fondly, both my mom and I fell in love with Sergio Goyri's acting chops while watching.
And I think I remember Ricos y Famosos, too. Didn't it star a very young Natalia Oreiro? I was in love with her co-star back then, but I can't even remember his name now. :)
Have you seen Muneca Brava?

Bmc, Betty la Fea was a huge success in my house, even my dad, the tn hater, watched it with us. That has to be the only tn he ever watched.
 

Adriana Noel, I think I was the same age too. But I rewatched Edera few years ago. And I still think its worth to watch (44 episodes it's like a joke for latin novelas). I also didn't like the last part, but I like the whole story. Don't know why, it's usual story. May be the theme song is the answer :)))
I saw Muneca brava but I didn't like it so much. I liked Oreiro with Diego Ramos from RiF, and I didnt like Facundo Arana at all.
Alegria
 

Alegria, you're right, Facundo Arana really wasn't all that handsome.
Yes, that was the name of the guy, Diego Ramos (swoon)!
Edera was pretty much the same story from Triumfo del amor, but watching it before the original, Crystal and ALL the remakes, really made a difference.
Ah, great chat! Here we mostly talk Mexican tns, but some of my favorites come from other countries, so it's nice to remember them, too.
 

I haven't been watching telenovelas very long and have only seen about a half a dozen in their entirety but my favorite is La fea más bella. For me it was the perfect combination of comedy and drama. As a matter of fact I watched it twice.

Jarifa
 

I've been watching TNS for only a few years, but the one that grabbed me from the first episode and held me to the end was Destilando Amor. The lead protags and villains were great, but also every character was interesting. Also, La Verdad Oculta, which was like watching a movie every night.

Fuego en la Sangre, though it had many lapses in the script, had the strongest chemistry of characters, not just the two lead couples, but between the sisters, between the brothers, the grandpop and the kids, the adopted son Pablito and his dog, Juan and his horse Capricho, etc.

Amor Bravio was a big surpise. I wasn't familiar with the actors then, but after Destilando Amor, it had the best opening episode I've seen, with the dual engagements and hint at tragedy. The first half of this TN was excellent, though the last half was less so.

La Reina del Sur I couldn't stop watching. Very international, heart-stopping action, nuanced characters, and realistic, passionate romance, and a heroine who grew stronger and took bold steps. I watched it even though normally I don't care for narco TNs.

Alborada was the first TN to mesmerize me, but I didn't have the time to watch it regularly. The cinematography was excellent.
 

I doubt anyone knows but what was the first telenovela ever to be recapped on Caray Caray and when was the website created? Just a question out of curiosity
 

Like Sylvia, Alborada was my first telenovela, and it is still my favorite followed closely by Amor Real with Pasion coming in third. You may notice that all these novelas star Fernando Colunga and are novelas de epoca. They are also all produced and directed by Carla Estrada and Monica Miguel. I know what I like.
 

Demetrius...Our blog mother Jane originally recapped Alborada all by herself on her site Pratie Place. I believe it was 2008. She eventually created Caraycaray after recruiting volunteers to recap.
 

Thanks for this great topic UA.

Alborada and Amor Bravio are my top two, then Pasion. I also love the novelas de epoca and Sylvia, Diana, Susanlynn and other have eloquently explained the strength of these tns. Other favorites include Destilando Amor, La Verdad Oculta - really well written with mystery elements and great cast. Teresa - I'm shocked I enjoyed the title character as I usually despise evil. Most of my enjoyment of her was she didn't allow herself to be abused as most tn heroines. And though not the strongest tn, I enjoyed our blog community so much on El Gancho al Corazon as well as having Rulli do comedy.

I must admit that being able to discuss TNs with other enthusiasts enriches my viewing immensely.
 

I've been watching novelas for close to 16 years and how time flies!

I have to say my favorite novelas are El Manantial, Amarte es Mi Pecado. Both were a little dark and tragic but they were beautiful to look at, every actor "fit" in their roles and the stories moved at a great pace, especially El Manantial.

For those of you that saw Amor Real, Adela Noriega and Mauricio Islas lit up the screen in El Manantial. I cried and laughed with them. Justo was so despicable but Alejandro Tomassi was at the top of his game (I think this is his best role) and a great surprise in Karyme Lozano.

Amarte Es Mi Pecado was a treat to watch. To me, this was the last time Ernesto Alonso really worked his magic (Barrera de Amor lost me) and demonstrated why he was called El Señor Telenovela.

Coming in third is of course, Amor Bravio. Not seen 2005 have I been glued to the screen every night until el gran final. The chemistry between the leads, the villains, the locations, the story, everything clicked in Amor Bravio and in the best way possible. I especially loved how all the good guys went toe to toe with the villains, didn't back down, frequently outsmarted them, etc.

Honorable Mention: Alborada. This was Maria Zarattini, Monica Miguel and Carla Estrada at the top of their game. Alborada came fast and hard and kept me coming back for more.
 

I've dabbled in TNs off and on since the late 80s, but only watched a handful from start to finish. If I don't love them, I won't watch them. Plus, my Spanish listening skills have never been that great, so if I don't understand them, they don't hold my attention and I wander away. So I have watched parts of a lot over the years. Only since tv has been available with Spanish subtitles and I found this blog have I really been able to enjoy them in depth.

I think my favorite was La Que No Podia Amar. It probably helped that I watched it entirely online and was able to just FF through all the annoying parts. :) I loved the complexity of Jorge Salinas' character and seeing him and Ana Brenda together. The whole cast was strong and the story never dragged.

The first two thirds of Amor Bravio was fantastic, but the plot went seriously downhill after the return of the very annoying, undead wife. As a whole, though, it was a great TN due the the lead couple, the music, the look of it, and the supporting cast. I just with they hadn't extended the original plot.

I've watched a bit of Alborada, and I think I might like it, but I can't stand the epocha ones in general, so I'd have to get past that.

I'm not currently watching a novela and I am thinking of undertaking another one online or on Hulu, so this discussion has come at a perfect time for me. Thanks, UA!
 

It's interesting to hear all the varied interests and how we all prefer different types of telenovelas. It's quite a business, isn't it? No wonder they have so many different types of novelas, they have to cater to a very diverse audience.

I've heard the Columbian telenovelas are quite good. I would like to see more of them. I did watch some of the original Betty La Fea and it was excellent. And no, I am not saying that just because of the excellent accordion music in the soundtrack. (OK, maybe just a little.)
 

Love this topic, Urban Anthropologist.

My very first novela was El Privilegio de Amar where I developed a fondness for Adela Noriega.

And Adela was in my #1 of all time, Amor Real. I remember stopping in for a couple of tacos to go on the way home from working late, and the servers were seriously annoyed at having a customer during Amor Real! I told them how much I loved it and got served some very fine tacos with extra carnitas!

I'd say #2 is Doña Bárbara. We were reading concurrently the novel in my long-term Spanish class and it was great fun comparing the rather straight-laced characters in the 1929 novel. I loved all the actors in their roles and the scenes of the llanos in Venezuela (may have actually been filmed in Colombia) were just amazing.

I love all novelas de epoca and miss them so much. Besides Amor Real, I also enjoyed Alborada and Pasión. No telenovela galán has ever captured my heart like Fernando Colunga. I remember having English speaking guests for dinner and turning on a recording of a scene with Colunga. I felt I HAD to impress on them his charisma, even though they couldn't understand a word.

My #3 is La Reina del Sur. This was so amazingly well acted and was another novela adapted from a novel by a very good writer. Kate del Castillo was unforgettable as Teresa Mendoza. And Iván Sánchez heated up my Living Room for many, many nights.

Another past novela I enjoyed was En Nombre del Amor, but it doesn't get to the very top for me.

I liked Flor Salvaje a lot and recapped much of it. Another one from a novel, by Laura Restrepo. Monica Spear was amazing in that one, as was Tony Dalton.
 

La Reina del Sur and Betty La Fea are my favorites. La Reina Del Sur Had excellent actors and was very action packed. It seemed like something interesting occurred each night. Betty La Fea was hilarious.
Sue from Miami
 

I debated with myself so much that I had to divide the novelas in "genres" or types:

Favorite classic style novela: Cañaveral de Pasiones

The actors, the setting, the MUSIC. It reminds me of a time when Televisa tried to make quality products even from the more simpler stories and they chose the right score, sets and camera angles for every scene.

Favorite period telenovela: Alondra

Alondra is everything I ever wanted in a telenovela: a coming of age story narrated by Diana Bracho about a woman who defied the conventions of her time and fell in love a couple of times, made mistakes and became stronger through her experiences. There was a love triangle and yet I never felt the most important question was about who Alondra’s happily ever after was meant to be with but about how these experiences shaped her character and transformed her into the older and wiser woman narrating the story.

Favorite “realistic” style telenovela: Mirada de Mujer

Angélica Aragón said once: “what I loved about telenovelas was that they gave women a voice, even if they don’t always say what you’d want to hear”. Mirada de Mujer offered the perspective of a woman in her fifties dealing with her husband leaving her for a younger woman and then explored many themes and issues that women of several ages are dealing with. Other telenovelas have touched those themes quite well (Para Volver a Amar is another good one) but I just don’t think I’ve ever seen dialogues as smart and as powerful as those of Mirada de Mujer.

Favorite Comedy: Un Gancho al Corazón

I laughed and laughed and laughed. And I watched it again and it still makes me laugh. It did go on for too long but I still think I can watch the first 170 episodes without a complaint about the pacing and that is amazing for a comedy.

Jarocha

 

Karen and Jarocha,

Thanks to both of you for mentioning In Gancho al Corazón. I think for me it was the most enjoyable TN, although for me, TNs are like shiny objects are for cats. As long as hey keep moving, I'm happy.

I almost didn't watch Gancho... a TN about a lady boxer? Ho hum. But I had already fallen in love with those who were recapping it and those who were following it. As Karen put it:

"I enjoyed our blog community so much on El Gancho al Corazon..."

Almost an understatement, we all had such a good time.

The collection of actors were amazing even though the two protagonists (Sebastián Rulli and Dana Garcia) were almost secondary.
It had the steamiest love scenes ever... between the bad girl (Laisha Wilkins) and a lovable ne'er do well (Raul Araiza). Ana Martín romped as a lusty older woman. Verónica Jaspeado veritably stole every scene she was in as a ditzy fresa who pursued and finally snared the useless playboy, Alex Sirvent. It had cute kids who were actually interesting.

I won't go on but will share this scene that demonstrates how wacky the fun was on this delightful little TN.

Carlos
 

Oh my, thanks for that video clip, Carlos. Ximena/Josefina....always an incredible charmer. Hope they run Gancho again soon so I can at least watch it on HuluPlus. It was such a gem.
 

#1 Amor Real (FC, suspiros)

#2 La reina del sur, superb acting,
wonderful travelogue

Alborada, Amor Bravio(Silvia Navarro) is a favorite

You can never forget your 1st love,
Destilando Amor

Love at 1st sight for FC in Pasión, my 2nd novela
 

Gancho
Great clip Carlos, who was the guy in the tattoo parlor, long hair & tattoos on face & arms?
 

Variopinta, I don't know. As far as I recall that was the only time we ever saw him. I've watched that clip many many times and each time, I laugh out loud. I would so love for this to be aired again. We could watch it here, recycle the recaps, and discuss it all over again.

Another TN which I enjoyed immensely was India. It was produced in Brazil and filmed in Brazil, India, and Dubai. The stories were enthralling, the characters fascinating, and scenery was stunningly mesmerizing. It was dubbed in Spanish and the voices were all clearly understandable. The CC's were almost always impeccable.

Carlos


 

This comment has been removed by the author.
 

1. La Reina del Sur, La Mentira, Lo que no podia Amar, Amor Realand O Clon
 

In no particular order,

-Cachito de Cielo
-La Mujer del Vendaval
-Pasion
-Amor Bravio
-En Nombre del Amor
-Atrevete a Sonar
-Camaleones
-Para Volver a Amar
-Lola Erase una Vez
-Mi Pequena Traviesa
-Nina de mi Corazon
-Llena de Amor
-Velo de Novia
-Amor Real
-Esmeralda
-El Privilegio de Amar
-Querida Enemiga
-Ni Contigo, Ni Sin Ti
-Piel de Otono
-Muchachitas (como tu)
-Al Diablo con Los Guapos

and much more.........
 

ALBORADA No contest. I have complete disks (however many hours that is) and have watched it through about a dozen times. It does not get old. What originally pulled me in though was Placido Domingo singing the theme song. I was channel surfing on our new TV. We had not had one in 20 years and I was fascinated by the whole prospect of watching foreign language channels. And I heard "that voice". Of course I stopped, was instantly mesmerized and end of story. Monica Miguel did a brilliant job with this (directing AND acting). Daniela Romo was aristocratic, evil and flawed. So poignant. Luis Roberto Guzmán completely stole every scene he was in. Everything he's done since seems so ordinary. The costumes may have been a bit "polyester" but that was forgivable. Lucero may be a bit of a gum-snapping teenybopper, but I fell in love with her hair extensions. And it was Fernando Colunga's best performance ever. Stop me. Stop me. Mundo de Fieras came right after it and I liked that too!
 

lxv....yes..yes...yes. ...I agree. !!!!
 

I cut my teeth on "Yo Soy Betty la Fea". It was my first and a Colombian tn no less. I drifted to Univition/Telefutura/Telemundo and have been watching for about 15 years so my list is long, like CorazonSalvaje. So as the aforementioned CS here are my favorites, sort of in order:
La Otra
Privilegio de amar
Destillando Amor
La Verdad Occulto
Dona Barbara
Cuando me Enamoro
Fuego en la Sangre
El Manantial
Mi Gorda Bella
Juana la Virgen
Bajo las misma piel
Amor Bravio
CS 09
La Marca del Deseo

If the story is good, I'll watch, but when the monkey writers get silly with their pens and erasers, I sometimes lose interest.
 

Also, UA great weekend topic, as usual.
Thanks
 

You're welcome, all!

See you tomorrow; got to hit the hay now to prepare the the loss of an hour this weekend.
 

OMG, what a great topic for the weekend, and I'm just loving reading everyone's responses! It sure does bear truth to the old adage that it truly takes all kinds to make a world, even the world of telenovelas!

For me, the question is a no-brainer, there's one teleenovela above all else that was just a great, big, over-the-top, engaging, entertaining, delightful, wicked, thrilling, action-packed CIRCUS that kept me going all through it's 167 episodes. The bar for this novela kept getting higher and higher as it went along and there was NO topic too 'out there' or controversial that it couldn't be addressed- it's Wikipedia page says that it addressed such topics as "homosexuality and homophobia in Hispanic culture, date rape, marital rape, drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, prostitution, abortion, incest, the dangers of religious fanaticism, illegal immigration, mental disorders like schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder, animal cruelty,and the corruption and abuse in women's prisons." THIS, of course, in addition to our usual standards of love, lust, obsession, infidelity, greed, murder, etc., etc....
And the actors, without exception, all of the main leads rose to the occasion and absolutely ATE UP the scenery throughout the story, immersing themselves in all of the extremes the story presented them with... and I can't remember another novela where all of the actors really seemed to ENJOY the craziness they're creating and making real for us, and for our viewing enjoyment.
And what a fun cast, dominated by an absolute unholy trinity of women who were such great villains- Sonya Smith's deranged, obsessed, paranoid schizophrenic Elena, Catherine Siachoque's venal, sadistic, thoroughly amoral Ines, and right at the top- Lupita Ferrer, GLEEFULLY embracing her role here as absolutely, 100% evil Super-villain, as the murderous, despotic, tyrannical 'Abuela Asesina'- Agata Mercenario. Lorena Rojas was our soul, heart, spirit, and voice-of-reason as our tortured lead, and Mauricio Islas her handsome galan, and a young and supporting cast that featured Jencarlos Canela, Sofia Stamatiades, a REALLY young Ximena Duque, and even Maritza Rodriguez in a role as a NORMAL person!
The dialogue was razor sharp, the music consistently a perfect accompaniment to whatever the situation was... I had, basically, just SO much fun with this telenovela- it just seemed to so unabashedly, unashamedly, whole-heartedly EMBRACE just what it was, and what it was was entertaining... that I find myself wishing that the likes of it or another like it would come along again.
That novela, for those of you who haven't already guessed it yet, was 'Pecados Ajenos', from Telemundo in late 2007-2008. And, for those of you out there that are just looking to simply HAVE FUN with a novela, to be sheerly and thoroughly ENTERTAINED, and gleefully swept away and taken along for a wild and NEVER dull ride by a writer (Eric Vonn) who not only enjoys doing such things, but who is also SMART with his writing, and who (refreshingly) NEVER deigns to insult his viewing audience.
 

Even the ending of Pecados Ajenos, which aroused the ire of some of it's viewers... to me, fit in perfectly- both because it was such an 'extreme' telenovela, as well as one that in many ways pushed the envelope (MANY envelopes!) several times and was, in so many ways, so unique, and so uniquely "IT". To whit, after Agata is executed by lethal injection for her numerous crimes (spewing invective and completely unrepentant to the end, of course... as well being in absolutely FLAWLESS makeup and evening wear, and with intense and pulsing background music), Rojas's Natalia- finally at home in peace at night- goes out to her backyard, only to be confronted by Siachoque's Ines- recently escaped from maximum security prison for HER numerous crimes with the assistance of a lovestruck prison guard (who she subsequently murdered) who (in stunning blue gown) plugs Natalia full of lead and leaves her body dead on her patio. THEN... there's some trippy stuff that goes on and- BOOM! We're back in the hospital! Natalia has been in a coma all this time as a result of a horseback riding accident caused by Agata after another vicious argument between the two. Here, you may be thinking "oh no... is this shades of Bobby Ewing??" but no, not here... we see the interactions of all our main players with Natalia and- in asides- how each of them are EXACTLY as they were in our story. As we watch them with each other, and with Natalia- body immobile but with brain functions intact- she brings our story full circle, saying that though her future is uncertain, and with so much she has to overcome, most especially physically, that she is full of hope and life and desire. That she sees herself and all around her more clearly, and that this knowledge will help her to face, fight, and travail over whatever treachery they may be capable of. That she will use this knowledge and this sense of self to help her focus on what truly matters- providing her children a life and an environment where they can be free and happy, and embrace the good things that there are in life- family, true friends, hope, and maybe even love. In closing, Natalia (in voice-over) says that she will rise again and live her life in confidence- the confidence in knowing that none of it will EVER now be as it was again and that the future- of her own making- is full of hope... hope in the beauty of life, and in the existence of emotions and love so strong, so real, so pure that- no matter what- they will always be able to erase... "los pecados ajenos" ("the sins of others")... cue surging final music with Rojas and Islas meeting on a sunset beach together... I swoon! (lol)

Anyway, sorry for getting carried away (again) all. I just really loved that crazy novela and really loved being able to share it all with you guys here.

Thanks for reading my two cents (long two cents, I admit.... )

My continued best wishes to all!! :-)

 

Amor Bravio set the standard for me, although anything Silvia Navarro is in is right up there. And I liked La Fuerza del Destino for its less than stereotypical characters (ignoring the lead woman who was exactly what you'd expect). And El Senor de los Cielos. That was the first narconovela I saw and was surprised at how I got sucked into the story, despite the violence. And, of course, La Espada y La Rosa, because apparently I have a thing for men in capes! And the cannibals in the jungles of California was just funny.

Kelly
 

Oh! And my 'runners-up', I almost forgot! (I'll keep this short, I swear!!)

Here'd be my top-10 (after 'Pecados Ajenos', of course) for anybody who may be interested:

- Amarte es mi Pecado (SO much good stuff here...)

- La Tormenta

- Tierra de Pasiones

- Contra Viento y Marea

- En Nombre del Amor

- La Loba

- La Otra

- Prisionera

- Cadenas de Amargura

- Amor en Silencio

- La Patrona
 

I think I love novelas so much because they are supposed to be love stories one can relate to but at times exaggerate. Stories of angst, reconciliation and overall, LOVE.
 

In a conversation about favorite TNs can't pass up the opportunity to mention my first TN which will always be a sentimental favorite for me. That was Ramona with Kate del Castillo and Eduardo Paloma as star-crossed lovers and Sergio Sendel as one of the baddest of bad guys ever, even without a cell phone in sight.

I had not discovered CCs and my Spanish skills were nowhere near what they are now but somehow I managed and my skills improved immensely during the course of the show.

It was set in Old California just before it became a state. Kate del C as Ramona was gorgeous and Eduardo P was pretty much shirtless throughout wearing only a skimpy vest at times.

Lots of action, intrigue, romance, and horses. It'd be so much fun for recapping and discussing.

Carlos
 

Oh yeah,i also loved La Madrastra because of the chilling performance of Jaqline Andere ,to kill someone with rat poison is beyond cruel and she looked like she was pretty much enjoying it.Here is a demonstration : http://youtube.com/watch?v=AgOvgkDm7dg

I also enjoy telenovelas starring Sergio Sendel or Cesar Evora and i came to enjoy watching Julian Gil as well.
 

All-time favorite: Alborada
Close runner(s)up: Amor Bravio, Cuando me Enamoro, Destilando Amor, El Privilegio de Amar (first-ever tn)

I'll try to watch anything, though haven't been able to stick with a comedy through to the finish. I like humor and funny, but can't stand silly and/or slapstick. And those stupid little sped-up scenes that are inserted in some of the dramas really turn me off (Fuego, CI, etc).

I'll (attempt to) watch anything with Fernando Colunga, William Levy, Marcelo Cordoba, Sergio Sendel, Sergio Goyri, Jorge Salinas, Pablo Montero, Sebastian Rulli - but if the storyline gets boring or stupid, I'll drop out (which is probably why I haven't seen some of these actors' tns all the way through). Likewise with Silvia Navarro, Adela Noriega, Ana Brenda and Zuria Vega and "baddies" Daniela Castro, Cynthia Klitbo (even though she's been a good guy lately) and junior baddies Altair Jaraibo and Jessica Coch.

I WON'T even attempt to watch anything headed by Mario Cimarro, Gabriel Soto or Jaime Camil - can't stand them. I won't watch David Zepeda as a good guy but love him as a bad guy. And I don't like Chantal Andere or Ana Patricia Rojo, but they're not usually the main characters, so I'll give the tn a chance.

Usually a lurker.
 

Oh! Carlos, I think I'll have to find the DVD for Ramona. Eduardo Palomo as an Indian, looks mighty good. After Reina, Kate del Castillo is in the running with Silvia Navarro as "the best". Lots of good people in it.

Lurker, did you see Para ella, yo soy Eva? with Jaime Camil. Jaime was fantastic in it. I agree about DZ, much better as a villain. 1st time I had seen JC. I agree about Gabriel Soto, he is only good as a sidekick that doesn't require a lot of acting skill.
 

Favorite tns so far. La fea mas Bella--funny and dramatic. Loved Camil and Angelica's comedic timing

Hija del Mariachi-great prota chemistry and story

La Patrona-it was the best if 2013 to me tight storyline, and great ensemble cast. I watched this one for weeks after it finished b/c of withdrawal. Loved Jorge Luis Pila as a father and a galan-they should give him more galan roles; and Aracely Arambula was mature, understated and played a mom seeking her son and venganza really well. If they remake LP in fifteen years, she could play the Villana character just as well.

Cuna de Lobos-classy film noir TN with STELLAR ACTING that has a lot of the themes you see in tns today. The Villana had such great one-liners in that one. I recommend everyone watch that one because it's so good.

Maria Isabel-Adela Noreiga and Fernando Carrillo makes you believe the one true love crap.

El Manantial. Adela shone and cried ALOT In this one but mauricio Islas matched her in emotional intensity. He's just beautiful to watch. Daniel a Roma and Alejandro Tomassi were great in this one, too. His Justo was scary and empathetic and despicable. He's up there with Antonia Guerra in La Patrona and Catalina LaCreel in Cuna de Lobos.

I'll watch any TN that has Adela Noreiga in it because she becomes the character and always has great chemistry with the galan. I'm watching her in La esposa Virgen now on YT and that on is a Mejia TN, but worth watching be a use of her and Jorge Salinas. But Adela with Carla Estrada producing is GOLD!

I can't watch any thing wit Fernando Colunga in it. His eyes scare me
 

A few years ago my local Uni (I think) station was replaying Ramona. Unfortunately I only caught the last few weeks of it. Yes, it was outstanding, at least what I saw of it. I would love to see it again.
 

¡Dios mio!
My memory is as bad as my Spanish

Por ella soy Eva, with Jaime Camil
 

J desde NYC
I heard awhile ago that Mejia was going to destroy Cuna de lobos. Haven't heard anything lately, so hopefully it fell through. Maybe the Mejias have been reading Caray.
 

I read somewhere they are trying to star William Levy,Sebastian Rulli and Barbara Mori in the remake of Cuna De Lobos.I would not like it because the writer is very crappy,after the dissapointment that is La Tempestad
i cannot seem to trust the writer.
 

I had also heard Wm Levy, but after Tempestad, I don't think he would be interested. He had a problem with the studio & almost quit. He is also busy with his career in US film. He has a lot going on.
Wm Levy films
"Addicted", completed
"The single mom's club", completed, by Tyler Perry, WL is a waiter
"Change of Heart", filming WL & Yáñez
"The veil", sci fi, filming, WL is warrior
"Salsa", in development, WL is dance instructor, How appropriate!
 

Variopinta..thanks for that list. .wow..I had no idea that William was going to be in so many upcoming movies. Dancing with the Stars must have really helped his career in the U.S. I saw him in a preview for Single Mothers. is Change of heart with EY in English ?
 

Susanlynn
I am sure Change of heart would be in English, Yáñez has been in a few English speaking films.
 

Variopinta:

Actually the new production of Cuna de Lobos was supposed to be done by Rebecca Jones and her ex Alejandro Camacho as producers/directors. I don't know who the writer was going to be. They were in the original cast in that TN. But it fell through. I have seen bits and pieces of the original and it shouldn't be remade.

Susanlynn:

EY speaks excellent English and he became a US citizen last year.
 

Variopinta, I would fight someone if Salvador Mejia or his wife got their hands on Cuna de Lobos. I would only accept a refrito if all the surviving original cast members played the older primer actor/actriz roles featured in the original. All those actors are legends now, known as excellent actors, well respected and still alive: Diana Bracho, Rebecca Jones, Alejandro Camacho, Gonzalo Vega (who is starting in a very sucessful Mexican film now and is the dad to the prota on Pobres and Marimar Vega). The man who played the head of security in the original is now playing Osvi on PSMA. I think even Maria Rubio, who played the villana, is still alive since IMDB said she was last in "Una familia con suerte."

Younger actors could play the protas and the young villains, but only really talented people. I can totally see David Zepeda playing Alejandro Larios and Mauricio Islas playing Juan Carlos Larios. Any Cuna remake should really feature really good actors or not be remade at all.
 

Found some more sweet Wm projects

Rio Sangre, horror western

Term Life with Vince Vaughn, crime drama

The perfect dance

J desde NYC
Mejia ruined Corazon salvaje, he ruins everything he touches including Mrs Mejia, who is responsible for the piece of mierda, Corazon Indomable.
 

Rubi - Barbara Mori, Sebastian Rulli
 

What did people hate about Corazon indomable anyway?
 

Demetrios- You’re kidding, right? :) Where to begin with CI? Oy! I’ll let someone else speak about the “virtues” of CI.

I have been watching tns since I discovered Caray Caray 4-5 years ago, and have been addicted since. I saw one tn back in college (as part of a Spanish class assignment). It was Esmeralda and starred Leticia Calderon and Fernando Colugna, among many other stars. Boy was I surprised to find the galan who I found to be a bland jerk, was still playing the “young” male lead, and the sweet, beautiful, blind heroine who left such an impression on me, had turned into a scarily evil villainess in En Nombre del Amor. Impressive on both fronts. I’ve also now recorded and watched some of the older tns when they come on during the day.

Favorites (really, I like most of the ones I’ve watched):
-Querida Enemiga (only because it was my first entry into Caray Caray, and was so much fun to watch with this group)
-Un Gancho al Corazon (Beto and Ximena provided some of the biggest laughs I’ve had in a comedy tn)
-Cuando Me Enamoro (Silvia Navarro and Baja California wine country)
-Alborada (recorded it and read the old recaps)
-India
-Alguien te Mira (slasher tn that kept the audience on our toes)
-Hasta Que el Dinero…(a funny heroine! And great singing and adventure scenes for the protags)
-Para Volver a Amar (intense and gut wrenching)
-Amor Bravio (my favorite tn couple so far and great villains)
-La Verdad Oculta (great mystery!)
-Refugio Para el Amor (a “rosa”/Cinderella tn done right)
-Mi Pecado (dark, but with a really gripping and tight script; still haunted by the ending)

 

Carlos: The Gancho group was so great. I think we had just as or even more fun as the actors who played the parts on screen. I loved rewatching with you all and I loved reading the recaps that were filled with love for the show. I remember that you got the one where Coni finally got redeemed and you were so happy! I loved that!

About the Cuna de Lobos remake, I don't think it's still in the works and I doubt Barbara Mori was ever involved in it. I don't think she wants to be back in novelas yet, the last few years she's been working on film here and in other countries and she has her own tv series at the moment which she also produces.

Jarocha
 

The virtues of Corazon Indomable
zip
cero
zero
ninguno
none

However, I do have to say, the monkey did a superb acting job.
 

Querida Enemiga was a good one. It introduced us to a lot of excellent dishes, like Pastel Azteca which I have made many times since, the legend of Fafy Cuenca (best name ever!), and the galan actually got dumped for another guy, Chef Hawt.
 

Demetrios

You love La Madrastra, this is for you


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DqnRjoI818
 

That is one excellent clip. Thanks Variopinta.
 

Cap'n
I have this stashed in a folder & show it on occasion. I love it.
 

It is awesome! I think I've seen it before but it is so worth seeing again. Rene Casados at his best, er worst, er you know what I mean.

As I reminisce about the the excellent Alborada, I recall that this is the novela that taught me my first full sentence in Spanish: "Gracias a dios que soy la ramera de solamente un hombre." (Thank God I am the whore of only one man.) So useful!
 

La Madrastra was the third remake of a Venezuelan telenovela of the same name.

I saw the second version, the first one made by Televisa called Vivir un Poco. It was one of the first adult telenovelas I ever watched, my first time watching it was like the 9th rerun of that novela because it was made the year I was born but it was so popular that they used to show it all the time even when I was around 10.

Angélica Aragón and Rogelio Guerra played the leads. The big dinner when Aragón's character introduces herself again to all the people from her past who ignored her while she was in prison and also knowing that one of them was the real murderer was one of the most iconic scenes in a telenovela.

Here's the opening sequence to that one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-5jU50v49g

Jarocha
 

Cap'n
That could have applied to Matilde in Amor Real after getting it on with Manuel. She was afraid that her feelings for him were only carnal.

Many favorite scenes but one that was so cute was when they were on a picnic & Manuel was in the mood, Mathilde was afraid someone might see them & Manuel replied, ¿Quién las mariposas?
 

So I'm late to the game, but since no one has mentioned my favorite, I thought I'd play...Ma~nana es para siempre! Loved, loved, loved it. Silvia Navarro, my bf Colunga and Lucero as a villain - awesome. Intrigue, romance, and everything I love about a good novela. Also loved La fea mas bella with my JC, and India (thanks to the few who already mentioned it). All great. Thanks for the great topic and all the great responses. I'm really bummed I can't participate in more discussions but with a new(ish) baby at home I am always at least a week behind on my two novelas. But I love the recaps and everyone who comments, so thanks to all!!

 

Syllvia..HA..I remember your favorite phrase. I enjoyed melinama's translation regarding Diego's "swelling in the humid zones" and her nickname for Don Luis..."the Mystery Boinker of Santa Rita." I think that I have to watch Alborada and Amor Real again. Currently, I am catching the end of Pasion on one of the stations I get. I forgot just how great that novela was...so many of our favorite actors and actresses. we had so much fun watching that one . ahoy !!
 

Variopinta, Ooh...LOVED that scene. Sigh.

Jarocha, that's another super clip. Oh, the drama! I would love to see some of those older classics.

Susanlynn, thanks for reminding me about some of Melinama's classic cracks. Yep, good times watching the hunkalicious Pasion!
 

Sylvia:

I found this clip that contains scenes from the last episode of Vivir Un Poco:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht8B7o94m8I

Surprisingly, it holds well for a novela that is almost 30 years old. You can see younger versions of Rogelio Guerra, Arturo Peniche and Nuria Bages (aunt Fidelia in Mentir para Vivir). I particularly love crazed out Bages at minute 7:54, .

Jarocha
 

I can't believe El Talisman is getting no love ;p. Okay, it was awful, but The Introduction of the Beltbuckle, Beltbuckle vs. Safe, and The Death of the Beltbuckle are among my favorite scenes ever.

My typical favorite are the lighter shows with some clever comedic elements, like Llena de Amor, Al Diablo con los Guapos, and Un Gancho al Corazón. I also loved Camaleones.
 

Julia,

I'm also surprised that no one has mentioned El Talismán. I determined early on that it was an intentional parody of TNs and thought it was hilarious. The recaps and the community of commenters were delightful. Unfortunately it seemed that the two main characters were not let in on the joke which made it all the more fun. By the way, has anyone heard from Rafael Novoa since? And who could ever forget the lusty semi-incestuous sibs Lucrezia and Antonio? Thanks for mentioning it and reviving some happy memories.

Carlos

 

SEMI incestuous? Carlos, you are such a gentleman. There was very little semi about it. (hee!) Julia, kudos to you for mentioning El Tal. We are still making guacamole and quoting that crazy show: Es mío, completamente mío!