One of my 3 favorite movies of all times (with "Z" and "Dr Strangelove"). It is unfortunately not very famous. I still do not understand why. from the nationalist point of view, it describes (i) the social background of the Spanish society in the upper military and nobility class; (ii) the psychological ground of any war, (iii) both the humanity, the embitterness, the cynicism of any executioner. It is also a story, written through a teenager's eyes, called back by his father from France where he was studying, to a torn Spain between an old fashioned aristocracy and church and the people looking for democracy.He sees the calm horror of an execution camp, a sort of a training wanted by his father before sending him to the front, in order to cancel all remaining humanity in his soul. It is a prerequisite to stand the horrors of war. He is protected by his father's old friend, who is played by Jean-Louis Trintignan, a romantic story in himself.
Please try to see this movie: it is quite difficult in fact. I hoped that the DVD edition would be a rebirth to this movie, but I doubt it. It is a shame that masterpieces are not recognized for their real value. "Land and Freedom", which was released at the same time, benefited from a better mediatic cover.
Please try to see this movie: it is quite difficult in fact. I hoped that the DVD edition would be a rebirth to this movie, but I doubt it. It is a shame that masterpieces are not recognized for their real value. "Land and Freedom", which was released at the same time, benefited from a better mediatic cover.