Category Archives: Cinema

Paz Vega in “Carmen” [2003 Spain]

Vicente Aranda is known for his uninhibited treatment of raw emotions like sexual passion, jealousy and hatred. His 2003 adaptation of Prosper Mérimée’s novella, “Carmen” showcases these magnificently. The script and his attention to minor details bring these fictional characters … Continue reading

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Monica Bellucci in “Le Pacte des Loups” BR720 [2001 France]

The 2001 drama fantasy by Christophe Gans, “Le Pacte des Loups” [Eng. Title: Brotherhood of the Wolf] is partly based on French folklore, but it is light entertainment from start to finish, and would probably appeal to teenagers where a … Continue reading

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Pier Paolo Pasolini’s “I Racconti di Canterbury” BR720 [1972 Italy]

Peir Paolo Pasolini is one of the finest, original, and well read filmmakers Italy had produced, and it is a great tragedy that his life was cut short as abruptly as it did. He is however rather unfairly remembered by many only for his … Continue reading

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Julie Gayet in “Sans Laisser de Traces” BR1080 [France 2010]

Grégoire Vigneron’s directorial debut, his 2010 thriller “Sans Laisser de Traces” [Eng. Title: Traceless] is not a bad first effort. Even if he doesn’t manage to keep his audience in suspense for too long – the plot is a well worn … Continue reading

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Esther Nubiola and others in “Tirante el Blanco” BR720 [Spain, UK 2006]

Veteran director Vicente Aranda gives us his take on events preceeding the fall of the Byzantine Empire in his lush 2006 adaptation from a book by the same name, “Tirante el Blanco” [Eng. Titles: The White Knight / The Maiden’s Conspiracy].   … Continue reading

Posted in Leonor Watling, Spain, Spanish Cinema, Vicente Aranda, Victoria Abril | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment