Category Archives: Spain

Yoima Valdés & co in “800 Balas” [2002 Spain]

Álex de la Iglesia is largely known for his comedy thrillers and among them, “800 Balas” [Eng. Title: 800 Bullets] remains my favourite. The film is Iglesia’s ode to spaghetti westerns as much as to some unsung talents in the … Continue reading

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Pilar López de Ayala & Manuela Arcuri in “Juana la Loca” [2001 Spain]

Vicente Aranda’s “Juana la Loca” [Eng. Trans: Juana the Mad, Eng. Title: Mad Love], was the first of three period pieces he made in succession – the other two – “Tirante el Blanco” and “Carmen” are already featured here. It … Continue reading

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Inma Cuesta & Clara Lago in “Primos” [2011 Spain]

Daniel Sánchez Arévalo’s film, “Primos” [Eng. Title: Cousinhood] is one of those typical feel-good romantic comedies churned out at this time of year. After Diego is dumped by his fiancée at the altar, cousins Julián and Miguel decide to cheer … Continue reading

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Francesca Neri in “Las Edades de Lulú” [1990 Spain]

Bigas Luna revelled in pushing the envelope, especially when it came to exploring the darker recesses of the human mind – he certainly does in the 1990 drama, “Las Edades de Lulú” [Eng. Title: The Ages of Lulu]. Despite a … Continue reading

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Flora Martínez & co in “Canciones de Amor en Lolita’s Club” [2007 Spain]

When it comes to a Vicente Aranda film, one knows what to expect – his uninhibited characters indulge in different kinds of passion-play despite knowing their consequences. His drama “Canciones de Amor en Lolita’s Club” [Eng. Trans: Love Songs in … Continue reading

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