Banderas stars as Luis Vargas, a wealthy Cuban businessman who seeks out an American wife. Luis believes Americans represent the future, and that his own countrymen - and women - are mired in the past and their traditions. After months of corresponding with Julia Russell, the day comes when she sails to his country to be his bride. Angelina Jolie (Julia) departs from the ship, looking nothing like the photos she's sent prior to her voyage. Julia explains she wants more than a man who is interested in a pretty face, and that's why she's been deceptive - substituting a plain-looking woman in place of her own picture. Luis also admits to deception; he's been misleading her into believing he's a poor workingman, instead of the rich owner of a coffee company.

Luis and Julia wed within hours of her setting foot in Cuba. Passion and lust lay just below the surface as the two begin to discover each other over the next few days. It doesn't take long for Julia and Luis to end up consummating their marriage (the “R” rating on this film is well-deserved). Luis falls passionately in love with his new bride, while Julia seems to be fighting inner demons while holding herself back from too deep an emotional involvement.

Meanwhile, Julia's sister Emily has been trying to contact her sister, justifiably worried about her after such a long trip to a strange land. Luis forces Julia to write back, fearing that if Julia continues to ignore Emily's letters, Emily will assume something terrible has befallen her sister and send the authorities to check on her welfare. Holding off as long as possible, Julia finally pens a letter to her sister, setting into motion the execution of Julia's hidden agenda.

In order to assure that his wife has everything she wants, Luis adds Julia to his business and personal bank accounts, giving her free reign to spend as she pleases. Julia, knowing she's about to be discovered as an imposter, flees with Luis' entire fortune. Devastated, Luis teams with a detective, Walter Downs (played by Thomas Jane), to search down his imposter bride - and kill her. Luis, Julia, and Detective Downs enter into a dangerous game of cat and mouse filled with intrigue, deception, and ultimately, murder.

"Original Sin" is an exceptional film, and Banderas, Jolie, and Jane are perfectly cast. I can't imagine a different set of actors - particularly in the roles played by Jolie and Banderas - being as convincing, or being able to touch the level of electrifying sexually-charged energy these talented actors were able to bring to this film.

A few words of warning - this is not a film to see on a first, second, or even third date, unless you're extremely comfortable with each other. Also, this film's “R” rating is for strong sexual content and they push the limit with many scenes of nudity (though tastefully done and within the storyline of the film). Even the coolest climate controlled movie theatre will feel a little warm during Jolie and Banderas' bedroom scenes. Angelina and Antonio portray Luis and Julia's lust for one another with conviction - fairly melting the movie screen.

Overall Grade: B/B-