Juana Ines

"Juana Ines" is a captivating historical drama series that first aired on Canal Once in 2016. Directed by Patricia Arriaga Jordán, the series is painstakingly crafted to depict the fervor of the seventeenth-century New Spain, now known as Mexico.

The heart of the show pivots around the stimulating and remarkable life of Juana Ines de la Cruz, one of the prominent Latin American female poets, played by Arantza Ruiz and Arcelia Ramírez as a young and older Juana respectively. Juana Ines was a prodigious intellect, a voracious reader, and an insatiable learner, recognized as a towering figure in the literary and philosophical circles of her time. More than just a poet, she was also a self-taught scholar and a nun. These aspects of her multifaceted persona are explored and magnificently portrayed throughout the series.

The series begins unfolding by portraying the early life of Juana Ines. She is presented as an illegitimate child born in the rural landscape of New Spain. The story follows her curiosity and unabated interest in learning, even in a society that failed to value and promoted the education of women. The viewer is plunged into the details of Juana Ines's journey to seek knowledge incessantly: her intrigue about books, her clandestine education, and her impressively expansive intellect.

The show skillfully illuminates the societal, religious, and gender dynamics of the time. It is in this environment where the iron-willed Juana Ines takes a decisive step towards her pursuit of knowledge by joining the Convent of Santa Paula of the Hieronymite nuns. She does so to avoid the traditional role of marriage pressed upon women in that society, intending to escape to an environment where her passion for reading and writing could be nurtured undisturbed.

What makes "Juana Ines" remarkable, is not only her character's display of extraordinary intellectual prowess and courage but also the complicated relationships she deftly maneuvers throughout the series. This includes her connection with the Viceroy's wife, the Marquise, who becomes her patron, fueling a bond of deep platonic affection and intellectual companionship. The complexity of Juana Ines’s interpersonal relationships and the fine balance she maintains between her visible and invisible world forms a vital narrative thread in the series.

The series also gives room to explore the spirited and daring Juana Ines's conflicts with the Church and society that question her unconventional beliefs and sternly opposed her pursuits, showing her unyielding courage to persist against all odds. Her enduring struggle to obtain equality and freedom of expression also offers an unexpected yet compelling parallel to contemporary times.

"Juana Ines" is not solely about showcasing a biographical narrative; it truly excels in conveying the poetic essence of its central character. The writers skillfully weave her poetry into the storyline, amplifying the emotional depth and the philosophical breadth of the series, giving viewers an authentic flavor of her intellect. The series is brimming with beautiful, thought-provoking, and intricately composed lines that offer a deep exploration of Juana Ines’s life, her thought processes, and her push back against societal norms.

Aesthetically, "Juana Ines" is a feast for the eyes. The effort to recreate the world of the seventeenth century is apparent in every frame. The incredibly detailed sets, costumes, and authentic location sets in Mexico perfectly capture the essence of the period it seeks to portray, providing a realistic backdrop against which the story unfolds.

The acting performances, particularly by Arantza Ruiz and Arcelia Ramírez as Juana, are commendable and praiseworthy. They embody the character, channeling her spirit, her charm, her intellectual sharpness, and her resilience with finesse and conviction. Supporting actors also bring their characters to life, painting a vivid image of the high society, intellectual circles, and religious milieu of the time.

Conclusively, "Juana Ines" is not just a show; it's a unique, historic, and visually enchanting exploration that brings to life a remarkably gifted woman. It profoundly and passionately charts the life of one of history's most extraordinary women, whose timeless vision and courage continue to resonate in our world today. It's a celebration of Juana Ines's intellectual prowess, her struggle for equality, and her enduring faith in the power of knowledge. This series is a must-watch for history buffs, fans of biographies, or simply anyone who resonates with the idea of unyielding courage and determination in the face of adversity.