Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Negative: 2 out of 18
  2. 75
    Passionada assembles the elements for a soap opera, and turns them into a bubble bath.
  3. It's a good small film for intelligent audiences who like to watch the movie camera explore other regions and other communities -- something all our movies should do more often.
  4. A romantic drama, a rare kind of film these days, even though romantic dramas were once a dominant genre in America.
  5. Director Dan Ireland and the Jermanoks strive for and achieve a light romantic comedy with humorous, fanciful plotting yet shaded by genuine tenderness and passion.
  6. Reviewed by: Lael Loewenstein
    A lovely, albeit imperfect fable marked by strong performances and infused with glorious bursts of soulful fado folk music.
  7. 63
    The biggest appeal of Passionada is Sofia Milos, a sexy actress who commands the screen in every scene she's in.
  8. While the situations don't add up to a satisfying film, the characters are pleasing to watch.
  9. Reviewed by: Peter Debruge
    Its compelling cast and sincere matchmaking goals are reason enough to play along.
  10. 60
    There's much to admire here, including an often witty script and a cast that includes Theresa Russell, Seymour Cassel, and the irrepressible Lupe Ontiveros (Celia's mother-in-law).
  11. 50
    A cheery version of a darker, grislier movie, one in which people like Daniel beat up people like Charlie, girls like Vicky end up in far more compromising positions, and women like Celia turn to Scotch and prescription drugs to cope with their pain.
  12. 50
    Nearly drowns in languor, only to be saved by Milos and Isaacs, who are sexy, movie-star talented and, together, really good kissers.
  13. 50
    Milos and Rossum are like Iberian "Gilmore Girls," only with an ocean view and without the clever dialogue.
  14. I have no objection to soap opera when it's delivered with conviction and a sense of urgency, but this sappy tale ... held my interest only moderately.
  15. 40
    Slight and pleasantly predictable film coasts along on the considerable charms of its cast and exotic setting.
  16. As Passionada ambles toward a formulaic fairy-tale ending, it exudes such giddy self-assurance that you wish you could believe in it.
  17. 38
    Predictable and uninspired romantic drama fizzles like a wet squib.
  18. 33
    There are movies that are made for the big screen, and movies that are made for the small screen; Passionada is the latter type.

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