Frida
"Prepare to be seduced."
Frida follows the extraordinary life of painter Frida Kahlo, a woman who turns personal pain into art. After a devastating bus crash leaves her body broken and future uncertain, she begins to channel trauma, longing, and political fire into bold images that defy convention. The film traces her... Read more
Watch NowNot Currently Available On (8 platforms)
Streaming availability last verified: January 30, 2026
About Frida
Frida follows the extraordinary life of painter Frida Kahlo, a woman who turns personal pain into art. After a devastating bus crash leaves her body broken and future uncertain, she begins to channel trauma, longing, and political fire into bold images that defy convention. The film traces her prolific relationship with Diego Rivera, a union marked by passion, tension, and mutual influence as they navigate fame and revolutionary politics. It also surveys the circle of friends and family who shape her work, from her sister to her mother and rivals who challenge and cheer her on. Through intimate moments and public triumphs, Kahlo's voice emerges as fearless, restless, and defiantly alive. Her work becomes a beacon for artistic freedom everywhere.
Directed by Julie Taymor, Frida adapts Hayden Herrera's biography with a vivid, stagey visual style. The film blends documentary mood and theatrical flair to tell Kahlo's story, released in 2002 with cinematic ambition. Bold colors and costumes underline her imagination.
Frida cost about 12 million to make and grossed roughly 56.3 million worldwide, a solid return that demonstrated strong appeal for an art driven biopic. Its international release and awards buzz helped reach diverse audiences across several continents worldwide today.
Frida helped bring Kahlo to a new generation through a vibrant, image driven portrait that highlighted her fashion, politics, and unapologetic individuality. Salma Hayek's transformation drew attention to Kahlo's iconic look and personal resilience, turning the artist into a symbol of Mexican identity and female creativity for generations of viewers.
Critics noted that Taymor's bold visuals and Hayek's committed performance give Frida a vivid immersion into art, love, and suffering. The film surveys identity, marriage, and political engagement without shying from uglier truths, portraying a life shaped by passion, resilience, and a relentless creative impulse that resonates today for viewers.
Details
- Release Date
- August 29, 2002
- Runtime
- 2h 3m
- Rating
- R
- User Ratings
- 2,135 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Drama, Romance
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- Miramax +3 more
- Budget
- $12,000,000
- Box Office
- $56,298,474
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Salma Hayek Pinault
Frida Kahlo
Alfred Molina
Diego Rivera
Mía Maestro
Cristina Kahlo
Patricia Reyes Spíndola
Matilde Kahlo
Edward Norton
Nelson Rockefeller
Antonio Banderas
David Alfaro Siqueiros
Diego Luna
Alejandro
Roger Rees
Guillermo Kahlo
Ashley Judd
Tina Modotti
Saffron Burrows
Gracie
Director: Julie Taymor
Written by: Gregory Nava, Diane Lake, Hayden Herrera