Original Sin (2001)

Mystery and romance collide in the erotic drama Original Sin (2001), not to be confused with the HBO Max series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (2022). Set in Cuba during the 1800s, this provocative period piece follows Julia Russell (Angelina Jolie), an American mail-order bride who is so gorgeous, it’s a surprise she isn’t claimed by the postal carrier before she reaches her destination. Instead, she’s actually delivered to lonely Luis Vargas (Antonio Banderas). He was expecting somebody a lot less attractive, but Julia explains that she sent an unflattering picture so she wouldn’t be loved just for her looks. That’s cool since Luis lied about being poor when he’s really a millionaire! It’s like an O. Henry story in reverse. Actually, if the plot sounds familiar it’s because the film is based on Cornell Woolrich’s novel “Waltz into Darkness” (1947) which was adapted for the screen in François Truffaut’s Mississippi Mermaid (1969) starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Catherine Deneuve. Of course, you just can’t trust a bride who arrives C.O.D. as Luis soon learns when his betrothed arrives with assorted con-games and crimes. In other words, sensual shenanigans, murderous mayhem, and some genuinely gripping moments will have you gripping yourself. This is especially the case when Mr. Banderas displays his naked T&A during a steamy sex scene just 17 minutes into the flick. Later, Antonio shows off his bare back and buns when he faces Colonel Edwin Worth (Gregory Itzin) at the door. The greeting has Mr. Man saluting in his drawers!