In part once of this series we took a brief look at the components of a telenovela and how it compares to a traditional North American soap opera. We learned there are four categories of Mexican telenovelas: working class melodrama, historical romance, teen drama and pop band story. Since we covered the first two in part one, here we will take a look at the second two.
As is implied by the name, the teen drama telenovela includes characters that are high school teenagers and how they deal with everyday issues. Coming of age life lessons are a large component of the plot, as are the subjects of sex and drug use. The first of its kind was Quinceanera, broadcasted in 1987. It was also the first telenovela to talk openly about drugs and gangs. The plot was simple, but appealed to many teens at the time. Quinceanera tells the story of 14 year old best friends Maricruz and Beatriz, each from opposite economic backgrounds. They are planning their quinceanera and excited about soon becoming a woman.
Two boys enter the story, one a mechanic the other a gang member. The mechanic and Maricruz begin dating, but the jealous gang tough drugs Maricruz and convinces her that she was the victim of a rape via her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Beatriz has begun dating her best friend's brother and soon becomes pregnant. This particular telenovela made such an impact on the youth of Mexico that it spawned several spin offs and sequels.
The pop band story tells the story of aspiring musicians and their rise to stardom. One such telenovela was even responsible for the success of a multi-platinum group, RBD. The teen drama Rebelde (Rebel) featured the band and revolved around their lives at a prestigious boarding school. The pop group won exceptional viewership not only because of the music, but also for the random use of English words. In Mexican culture, it is common for teens from wealthy families to use English terms and phrases in conversation, while being referred to as 'fresa' by middle and lower class citizens. The word 'fresa' is a slang term meaning superficial and showy. This element of culture was of course a great source of drama for the telenovela. However, despite the cultural clashes, both the show and the band went on to be very popular with all income levels. There is even an American version of Rebelde being planned, with actress Jennifer Lopez as producer.
During the 1990's the Mexican telenovela found huge fame in Europe and Asia. Russia in particular became very enamored with the 1979 telenovela Los Ricos Tambien Lloran. In response to the rising popularity overseas, the Mexican government began to ease back their control over the content of televised drama. Previously sensitive issues such as immigration, drug smuggling, poverty and political corruption were now addressed. Now, the Mexican telenovela is broadcasted in all Hispanic countries worldwide. In fact, the primary telenovela broadcaster TL Novela proclaims that Mexico's leading export is no longer tequila and tourism, it is now the Mexican telenovela.
As is implied by the name, the teen drama telenovela includes characters that are high school teenagers and how they deal with everyday issues. Coming of age life lessons are a large component of the plot, as are the subjects of sex and drug use. The first of its kind was Quinceanera, broadcasted in 1987. It was also the first telenovela to talk openly about drugs and gangs. The plot was simple, but appealed to many teens at the time. Quinceanera tells the story of 14 year old best friends Maricruz and Beatriz, each from opposite economic backgrounds. They are planning their quinceanera and excited about soon becoming a woman.
Two boys enter the story, one a mechanic the other a gang member. The mechanic and Maricruz begin dating, but the jealous gang tough drugs Maricruz and convinces her that she was the victim of a rape via her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Beatriz has begun dating her best friend's brother and soon becomes pregnant. This particular telenovela made such an impact on the youth of Mexico that it spawned several spin offs and sequels.
The pop band story tells the story of aspiring musicians and their rise to stardom. One such telenovela was even responsible for the success of a multi-platinum group, RBD. The teen drama Rebelde (Rebel) featured the band and revolved around their lives at a prestigious boarding school. The pop group won exceptional viewership not only because of the music, but also for the random use of English words. In Mexican culture, it is common for teens from wealthy families to use English terms and phrases in conversation, while being referred to as 'fresa' by middle and lower class citizens. The word 'fresa' is a slang term meaning superficial and showy. This element of culture was of course a great source of drama for the telenovela. However, despite the cultural clashes, both the show and the band went on to be very popular with all income levels. There is even an American version of Rebelde being planned, with actress Jennifer Lopez as producer.
During the 1990's the Mexican telenovela found huge fame in Europe and Asia. Russia in particular became very enamored with the 1979 telenovela Los Ricos Tambien Lloran. In response to the rising popularity overseas, the Mexican government began to ease back their control over the content of televised drama. Previously sensitive issues such as immigration, drug smuggling, poverty and political corruption were now addressed. Now, the Mexican telenovela is broadcasted in all Hispanic countries worldwide. In fact, the primary telenovela broadcaster TL Novela proclaims that Mexico's leading export is no longer tequila and tourism, it is now the Mexican telenovela.
About the Author:
BookIt is an online travel company determined and dedicated to becoming the leader in providing travelers with the most intuitive online booking experience full of relevant information, helpful guides and travel tips. Find great deals on Sheraton Vistana Villages at BookIt!
Comments (0)
Posting Komentar