The film is a faithful adaptation of the musical Evita about Eva Peron's life. It stars Madonna as Evita and Antonio Banderas. Evita rises from poverty to become a radio and film star, where she meets and seduces Colonel Juan Peron. As his wife and First Lady, Evita becomes a spiritual leader for the working class in Argentina. However, during an international tour, she falls ill with an incurable disease and returns to Buenos Aires, where she soon dies. The film was praised for Madonna's performance, especially her singing of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina".