When she's older, Blanca returns, still in love with Pedro, and becomes a revolutionary, as the country becomes a hotbed of political upheavel. And it doesn't help her relationship with her father that Esteban is now a highly respected member of the Congress, which is about to fall.

Along the way there are illegitimate children, angry confrontations, riots in the streets . . . .

All of this holds the potential for exciting storytelling, but the film just plods along in an episodic manner, skimming the surface, skipping over details and never builds any emotional steam whatsoever. August's episodic vignettes seem choppy; and while his actors plunge in with their all, the results are uneven.

Of the players, the women fare best, though Ryder's character is woefully underdeveloped. Streep, as a fragile clairvoyant is extremely winning. But it is Close who steals the show. She is nothing short of amazing as a tortured soul whose loneliness has defined her existence. (If she's remembered, look for Close to be a supporting actress Oscar nominee next year.)

"The House of the Spirits" is not rated but would easily get an R for considerable violence, gore, sex, nudity and some profanity.