Corazón salvaje (1993– ) User Reviews

The Best Latin Production EVER!

[leonardodav · 10/10 · 21 October 2006]

Simple as that!

Corazon Salvaje has been a phenomenon worldwide ever since its release in 1993! Personally, after watching it, I gave up watching any other soap opera -the comparison hurt too much.

And it's great not just because of the technical achievements that the series brings with it (although for a Latin production, it has marked a plus), but I would rather say it's the quality of the acting that impresses the most and the coherence of the story. No useless talk, no useless crying as often happens in the Spanish soap operas, no overacting. The soap opera genre has a set of particular situations it works with (like infidelities, pregnancy etc), but Maria Zarattini (the adapter of the Corazon Salvaje books by Caridad Bravo Adams) managed to create something original and truly surprising. In a personal note, she has used the dialogues in other productions she has worked later on, but that is a sign that she could not entirely escape Corazon Salvaje's magic.

All and each of the actors involved in the project simply gave their best. Eduardo Palomo (RIP) portrays Juan Del Diablo with so much charisma, dedication and talent that makes his character magic. This role transformed Eduardo Palomo into one of the hugest Latin Personalities and even today years after his death, he is still considered as one of the best actors. His co-stars Edith Gonzalez and Ana Colchero, besides being such incredibly beautiful women, make the demonstrations of being great actresses as well. They can be sensual, romantic, vulnerable, true women indeed in a fictional context! Although romance is the main subject, the soap opera speaks about other important things such as the position of women in the society and finding your true self.

Corazon Salvaje has impressed audiences in Italy (where has been broadcast over 20 times), Spain, United States, Venezuela, Romania to name just a few!

In conclusion I would like to say that if Corazon Salvaje had had the chance of being produced in English, I would be today THE SHOW! It's a MUST SEE!

Simply perfect

[elisasuditu · 10/10 · 12 June 2007]

I remember the first time I came across Corazon Salvaje I was 14 and I was watching it on an Italian TV channel. I had the chance to see the amazing cast live, invited by the same TV station and I fell in love with them and the production, so that I still find myself, 14 years later, watching it over and over again. This is due exclusively to the perfect acting (by the late and amazing Eduardo Palomo as Juan del Diablo, and Edith Gonzalez, as Monica De Altamira), the perfect scenery, the perfect cinematography, the perfect soundtrack, and my list can go on forever. It is the best TV production I have ever seen, and no other soap opera can ever reach the level Corazon Salvaje has set. I am terribly sorry producers didn't get to make the sequel, as the protagonist left this world far too young. But I will watch it all my life, never feeling I have had enough. It's a must see for every romantic in this world. And I guess, there will never be another remake of it, simply because there could never be anybody able to portray Juan and Monica as Eduardo and Edith did. PERFECT IN EVERY WAY.

Watch it for free unabridged on YouTube.com!

[rmravicz · 10/10 · 22 June 2010]

This is the best telenovela ever made. Every episode is fantastic. Palomo is the sexiest leading man, not just in telenovelas, but in Hollywood also. Edith Gonzalez is beautiful and sympathetic. The costumes and scenery are stunning. Even the minor side plots are enjoyable and the side actors appealing. It is tragic to miss all the great details by watching this very brief (compared to the length of the novela) DVD. You can download the ENTIRE telenovela - every bit of every episode AND without commercials - for free on youTube.com. Seeing all the delicious details is so much better than paying for a brief peek with the DVD.

sencillamente the best tv series I have ever seen. Perfect!!

[martaivett · 13 March 2001]

Perfection in every aspect. Not only Eduardo and Edith take each other to the galaxy in quality of their acting, the whole acting cast, lighting, sets, locations, EVERYTHING is perfect, the best product in tv I have ever seen! My favorite novela of all time!!

Absolutely Perfect.

[Mella124 · 10/10 · 19 September 2007]

I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't watch this series the 1st time out. But as it won award after award, my curiosity was peaked. It was to my great delight that Univision decided to run it again, although it was a time slot that was inconvenient - they showed it while I was at school! But every day, I would quiz my aunt, and she would give all the juicy details.

As I've gotten older, I've watched other Spanish soap operas, and nothing even comes close to this. Its not just the great story, but the fact that these actors knew how to EMOTE. You felt for these characters, and years later, I still feel for them. Unfortunately, this also means that I can never see Edith Gonzalez in another soap, and see another character. She will forever be Monica, and Eduardo, Juan.

Great reason to learn Spanish!

[maggiesz · 10/10 · 11 May 2010]

When 1993 version of this classic tale was aired, it really helped me learn (and really WANT) to understand spoken Spanish. I'd taken "Spanish as a foreign language" classes, but all the grammar and boring exercises really didn't sink in much--until I started watching this captivating telenovela. Then something clicked, awakened by my interest and my brain understood these wonderful actors almost magically!

Both fans of CS and those wondering about world-wide appeal of this novela might also be intrigued by somewhat scholarly study of the story written in Spanish by an Anglo university professor.

Recently I've been trying to find some telenovela to watch that suits my current viewing mood--something NOT harshly modern or about teenage troubles (tho "Sin Senos No Hay Paraiso" eventually caught my interest--partly because of character of stammering "Jota", who reminds me of a young Eduardo Palomo with his comic talent and sensitive tenderness; I saw Palomo in 1980's telenovela "Picara Sonadora", a kind of modern-day family "screwball comedy" that could have been made back in 1930's). And Jota's "Julietta" is a *little* like Edith Gonzalez/Santa Monica, strong, smart, yet also sweet.)

Beautiful scenery (especially by the ocean), appealing characters viewers care about, leavening of good humor and wit, lovely costumes and authentic interiors, and some social consciousness were all elements I was trying to find for leisurely entertainment. Finally I just realized, why not watch CORAZON SALVAJE again!

Someday, I hope (am positive:-), this entire telenovela will become available in format originally aired on Mexican television (30 minute episodes ending in cliff-hangers), with not a second edited out, and all of the original, evocative, perfect soundtrack music included. Tons of fans around the world are willing to purchase the complete telenovela (perhaps with closed captions in other languages), like Korean "continuing dramas" are currently available from companies that broadcast them.

Another classic favorite of mine is LA MENTIRA starring Guy Ecker and Kate del Castillo (those who have seen that, will recall which elements it shares with CORAZON SALVAJE--not the least is that both were based on sadly out-of-print mid-20th century books by Caridad Bravo Adams).

A few recent novelas I got interested in watching more than a few episodes of are by a new "classic" writer who uses colors & shapes in a symbolic code, Colombian Julio Jimenez: "Viuda de Blanco", "Cuerpo del Deseo" and "Madre Luna". While those fall short of the perfection of 1993 CS, they also include memorable "families" of friends who help each other, especially the poor and downtrodden, yet rich in love.

I was eighteen years old

[chorima75 · 9/10 · 3 January 2013]

I was eighteen and in my first year at university when "Corazón Salvaje" 93 was broadcasted in my country. This was the time before the DVD and youtube so, if you had an afternoon lesson, you relied on your mother or another student to tell you what had happened in the chapter. However, I relied on nobody from the earthquake onwards. I recorded it on VHS. Half of the university was hooked on the (mis)adventures of Juan and Mónica, but we would not openly recognise it. The huge number of "salvajitas/ os" was snubbed by the pseudo intellectuals at university, who regarded very negatively watching telenovelas (and watching football, which I also loved). For those who asked me why a serious academic wasted one hour of her life watching such "low entertainment", let me tell you why.

As it was based on a novel (a trilogy by Caridad Bravo Adams), the plot was well developed and tied neatly (opposed to other telenovelas, which improvise it as it goes on). Despite not having a huge budget, the setting and costumes looked nice and realistic.

Absolutely all the actors were wonderful in their roles. The female protagonists, Aimée and Mónica, represented two models of femininity. Glamorous Aimée (Ana Colchero) thought herself very liberated, but was proved to be weak and trapped by her own double standards. In contrast, inexperienced Mónica (Edith Gonzalez) appeared submissive at first, but showed real passion and strength when confronted to the hardship of life. She was a real rebel (unforgettable the scene when she jumped off a cliff to save her husband).

Juan del Diablo (the late Eduardo Palomo, whom we still miss) was not the conventional telenovela hero archetype. In a refreshing change, smouldering Juan never went through the (too recurrent) scenario of cheating on the heroine. Kudos to the scriptwriter for keeping the interest on a story about a married couple who remained faithful to one another. "Corazón Salvaje" 93 was also credited with being the telenovela with the highest number of male viewers ever. I do not think it was because of the action scenes or the pirates' subplot, but because the male characters were very well defined. Many people think that the best scenes were the father – son conversations between Juan and Don Noel (Enrique Lizalde, who had played Juan del Diablo in the 60s).

No other telenovela hooked me in the same way. "Corazón Salvaje" was worth it being snubbed at university (in fact, telenovelas are now part of my academic research).

Best Mexican Novela

[nayjay-86942 · 10/10 · 3 July 2017]

This Mexican Soap Opera is best seen in full length because apart from having great protagonists, the supporting characters are captivating as well. Dona Sofia is so magnetic and her insults so well-expressed that I liked all her scenes too. The scenes with Don Noel and Juan are also very tender and memorable, too. The writing is stellar, with great lines about love, self-worth and social inequality, and a very good pace, made all of Mexico and others keep their nightly appointment religiously. The acting between Edith Gonzalez and Eduardo Palomo and the script made those love scenes the standard by which all other novelas are judged. Ana Colchero's acting was so good that though she is the antagonist, in re watching, I've often sympathized with her. She's no true villain.

The supporting cast including Claudia Islas, Luz Maria Aguilar, and Yanez, y Yolanda Ventura, Javier Ruan, Adalberto Parra had very natural acting and in turn were riveting.

At the time, the production was expensive and unseen. It had beautiful settings, old hacienda houses, historic sets, beaches, historic ships, an earthquake, beautiful costumes, and a beautiful score. The quality over all was amazing and is unmatched.

Simply Excellent

[sisiana84 · 10/10 · 6 February 2012]

This must be without question the best Latin American telenovela I've ever seen. The story itself and its execution are simply flawless. Offhand I'm having trouble thinking of better matched protagonists & antagonists, or of a more realistic portrayal of eighteenth century Latin America and its intricate social layers. The story is romantic without inducing diabetes, and the characters are multi-dimensional, displaying both strengths and weaknesses, throughout. I don't think I can ever get tired of this novela.

Unfortunately the DVD version released in 2003-2004, has been heavily cut and occasionally the transition between scenes gets choppy, rendering the story difficult to watch. Here's hoping that Televisa will recognize the value of this work and re-release it. Properly this time.

The greater love history ever!!!

[alexandracp-28756 · 10/10 · 8 August 2019]

This is not an usual mexican soap opera... its the best love story ever filmed.... the plot its amazing and the actors and actresses are the best.... i trully recommend this lovely story!!!

There will never be another tv series like this

[annalignou · 10/10 · 16 December 2019]

This is a classic in every sense of the word! It is an absolute classic, a masterpiece. All the stars must have aligned to get a tv series so perfect. The acting of all cast members is superb, the protagonists are so perfect in their roles, it is hard to believe they are acting. The script of Maria Zarattini is very tight and flows in a perfect way. The book itself is not very good but the story line of this telenovela based on the book is perfection. I have tried for years to find another series that even comes close to this and I could never find one. I don't think it exists. So if you haven't watched this series yet, watch it and you are in for a treat.

A legendary classic!

[jp_91 · 10/10 · 1 February 2023]

The 1993 version of "Corazón salvaje" is the best telenovela adaptation of the famous novel of the same name written by Caridad Bravo Adams. The perfectly adapted script by María Zarattini is full of drama and tension, as well as round characters. The cast is masterfully selected, Edith González and Eduardo Palomo played the leading couple demonstrating excellent chemistry, in addition the villains were also excellently interpreted by Ana Colchero as a woman ahead of her time but treacherous, Ariel López Padilla played a good young man who circumstances make him cruel, showing great versatility on camera, and Claudia Islas played a concerned but perverse mother, achieving one of the best performances of her career. Arsenio Campos, Ernesto Yáñez, Javier Ruán and Adalberto Parra also did notable work as villains. The rest of the cast made up of Luz María Aguilar, Enrique Lizalde, Gonzalo Sánchez, Jaime Lozano, Isaura Espinoza, Verónica Merchant, Indra Zuno, Gerardo Hemmer, Ana Laura Espinosa, Olivia Cairo, Antonia Marcín, Julio Monterde, María Dolores Oliva, etc., they interpreted supporting roles with soul and that were marked in the memory of the public. The cinematography is spectacular, exalting the beauty of the exterior locations and some great visuals of the interior locations. The costume and hairstyle design was really investigated to achieve a look from Mexico in the year 1900. The production management stood out with the period furniture, the design of the San Pedro prison, the famous ship "El Satán", the convent of the nuns and especially in the luxurious houses of the main characters. The filming locations are beautiful, filmed on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco and also in the state of Nayarit, to set the scene for the coastal town of San Pedro, which is located in the state of Veracruz in the telenovela. The soundtrack by Jorge Avendaño Lührs evokes the 1900's and achieves romantic and suspenseful compositions that are an aural delight. "Corazón salvaje" (1993) only deserves praise, an impeccable production, the best adaptation of this classic story and one of the best telenovelas of the '90s, one of the best made in Mexico and one of the best made around the world. A legendary classic!

This has become an all-time favorite for many viewers.

[FafaSays · 5 January 2003]

Born out of wedlock, society considers Juan a bastard. He has no social standing. Juan has no last name and people call him Juan del Diablo (from the Devil). Juan's father and mother were married to different people. The husband of Juan's mother raises him, but hates and mistreats the boy. Juan's upbringing and lifestyle portray him as a man with a 'savage heart.' He has no official last name, no prospects, and no real friends except for one man - the kind and wise Don Noel Mansera. This older man teaches Juan about loyalty, morals and true friendship.

Through a misunderstanding, Juan's stepbrother, a legitimate heir and aristocrat, swears to destroy him. Juan becomes involved with two sisters, Aimee and Monica. Both women have a lasting effect on him; one betrays him and the other shows him true love - she is able to captivate and soften his savage heart.

Filled with a wonderful story and memorable dialogue, CORAZÓN SALVAJE (Savage Heart) has become a classic novela with many fans.

Not an objective review

[SofiCastle · 8/10 · 4 June 2022]

I watched Corazon Salvaje as a romantic teenager and absolutely loved it. I can't tell if I would still love it now, but at least its premise is certain to get to any romantic hearts out there.

simply stunning

[tockyolina · 20 May 2005]

I first saw this series when i was a 13-year-old and I got completely involved in it. In fact I watched many series from Latin America and also other countries , but NO other story has ever been like that. A wonderful plot and the characters are portrayed in a majestic way. You can't imagine anything more perfect than that. I watched it again a few months ago and it was like the very 1st time... the identical emotions I felt 11 years ago. I could watch some scenes over and over again..the passion and intensity of drama are so high...alongside wonderful sceneries and captivating soundtrack.if you haven't seen it, you don't know what you've lost...

Es perfecto!

[Venus-25 · 19 April 2001]

Brilliant story. Not having seen the earlier versions, I have no idea if anything was changed from them (maybe someone else can enlighten us on this?). Great acting and cinematography, too. How can we ever forget Don Noel, Sophia, Andres, Aimee, Monica, and -- especially -- Juan.

Any woman who saw this and didn't want to trade places with Edith Gonzales would have to be gay, dead, or insane. Eduardo Palomo was one very hot guy; he could make you feel a kiss he's giving to his leading lady. He was a brilliant example of bad-boy appeal on a character who is more honorable than anyone purporting to be superior. It's a pity we lost him so soon.

This was the first novela de epoca I ever saw, and I'm hooked for life. It's as romantic and beautiful as a Kathleen Woodiwiss novel, with a highly appropriate musical soundtrack by Jorge Avendano.

Anyone who loved this would also love other novelas de epocas: RAMONA (with Eduardo as a Native American), YO COMPRO ESA MUJER (with the unforgettable Eduardo Yanez), and AMOR GITANO (with the very sexy Mauricio Islas).

Edited 11 May 2005.

...Angeli a volte diavoli...

[Nina_Romic · 26 August 2008]

...well I was just 9 years old when I first saw "Corazon Salvaje",as it's said I fell in love with this telenovela...

From the very beginning you are getting interested with the scenes,you dive into that time and become part of the story.You feel the story emotionally,you fell happiness or fell blue with the characters of novel.Some of the characters seem familiar to you that sometimes you feel as if you are that hero.You can't get tired of watching it,because script is always intriguing and it's never boring.Scenes create comfotrable atmosphere and you feel the beauty of that times...

I was child when I watched it,but I was not the only child.I remember when me and my friends(girls) while playing in the yard would hear the song of "croazon salvaje" ,we would rush homes to watch it. We were completely mesmerized,so that we would imagine we are Aimeé and Mónica.Everyone was in love with Juan del Diablo,the young girls and the old ladies and of course we little baby girls.Country was in madness,a lot of newspapers were sold with the interviews and biographies of marvellous actors.Even today after 12 years I still own a notebook with the photo of the leading actors of "Corazon Salvaje".

I remember it was Friday and it was most intriguing part ever,Juan was surprisingly attacked and shot in head and that's the way that episode finishes without any hint whether he is dead or alive...I would never forget how I cried,I was almost praying Juan to be alive,I couldn't wait till Monday to find out the truth...My 14-years-old cousin(girl) was so worried about Juan that she cried whole night long under pillow,so that her mom couldn't hear her:))))

Well it's all personal impressions,but from the fact that "Corazon Salvaje" got awards as Best Telenovela,you can judge what it can be like...Even now when I watch it,I am still excited.Many people wish to see it again......Even now when we hear Manuel Mijares' "corazon salvaje" we are thrilled as years ago...

a legend

[Vincentiu · 23 February 2015]

for many of South American soap opera 's fans, this series is one of the most important title. not only for performances or for the love/hate story, for adventures or for the chemistry between lead characters but for the special atmosphere. a film about the old Mexico, embroidery of powerful passions and strong tradition, beautiful landscapes and remind of old fashion romanticism in precise dose. a film about feelings and duty, impressive for the music, nice for the fight scenes, useful for remind the metamorphose of popular novel in soap opera and the bitter force of emotions. a beautiful story of desire, it remains the scene for only two actors in many memories of viewers. so," Corazon salvaje ".again. like secret place of new fairy tale's admirers.

Lo MEJOR de lo mejor

[arlettec-97075 · 18 August 2019]

I watched this novela when I was 13, they repeated a year later since I was in school I begged my mom to record it daily. I had the entire novela on VHS and would watch the recording. A few years back I found a site where I could watch it. I am rewatching it now on youtube. LOVE this novela!!! I dont care for them and dont want H novela but this one I will never stop watching. I would LOVE for them to put it back on TV at least in remembrance of the late Eduardo Palomo and recently deceased Edith Gonzales. I bet you the ratings will be HIGH. Everyone of all ages that watched it in 93 will watch it again and new viewers to!!! I only watch netflix but I know if it comes on netflix will have to wait!

One of the better shows I have seen

[Orion6 · 10 July 2005]

This is definitely one of the better telenovelas that I have seen. I wouldn't say it is perfect and it doesn't quite come up to the level of a show like "La Mentira."

Eduardo Palomo was very good on this show and so also were Enrique Lizalde, Ariel Lopez Padilla, Ana Colchero, Claudia Islas and Edith Gonzales.

The show had a good moral to it in that one can grow up poor and still find happiness without discarding their values.

I didn't particularly like certain parts of the ending and if some things had been different this very well could be close to perfect. I don't want to make this a spoiler so I won't say what they are.

The characters were very interesting and the story was good at least until the end and so on balance it should be considered very good.

It is difficult to compare it to a lot of today's telenovelas especially those that are geared to young and even child audiences. These genres involve more modern attitudes and characters and in some ways have advantages over novelas set in prior centuries.