For those who've seen Pretty Woman (1990) one too many times, Spanish writer/director Fernando Leon de Aranoa shatters the fairytale in Princesses. Candela Pena tugs the heart strings (and much else besides) as prostitute Caye who still dreams of being swept off her feet by Prince Charming. Of course this being a European film, the hearts and flowers don't come so easily. Then again, it's not all bad news; Caye finds friendship where she least expects it.

Rival hooker Zuleman (Micaela Nevarez) ventures all the way from the Dominican Republic to stand on Caye's corner. In a nearby hairdressing salon the local girls bitch about "these foreigners comin' over 'ere, stealin' our jobs", but then Caye discovers Zuleman beaten by one of her clients. Over a cup of coffee they get to know each other as human beings and later, when Caye's head is turned by an unwitting suitor, it is Zuleman who proves to be her rock. Caye strives to do the same for Zuleman who faces deportation or a life in virtual slavery.

"DIEHARD OPTIMISM"

Despite the difficult subject matter, there is colour and energy to the storytelling that betrays a diehard optimism and is vaguely reminiscent of Pedro Almodovar's films. Aranoa keeps a loose, fluid feel to the action and ups the tempo with music. Scenes of the working girls gasbagging at the hair salon are shocking and funny in equal measure. Conversely, there are moments that feel like they've been pulled out of an OTT Spanish soap opera. Caye being forced to do a 'quickie' in a restaurant loo while her date peruses the menu outside is really pushing the limits of credibility. Also, being afforded a glimpse into Caye's middle class upbringing prompts other questions about the path which led her into prostitution. It's just as well given these wrinkles in the plot that Pena and Nevarez have the composure to rise above.

Princesses (Princesas) is out in the UK on 28th December 2007.