Sadly, "El Nido" is one of the many beautiful Spanish films that are rarely seen on this side of the ocean. I know, I know: the mere idea of a foreign film is a turn-off for many of us. Me too, for most of my life. But in recent years I've gradually found what a gold mine of quality foreign films can be. Since most of them are made on budgets considerably smaller than typical Hollywood offerings, they depend on story and character as their main emphasis. Location, costume, large casts, special effects, etc. cannot be a factor when budget limitations rule. I find many foreign films use children in their story themes because children provide a wealth of possibilities for story and, particularly, characterization. And some of those films have become classic, though not necessarily well-known over here. "Emma's Shadow" and "Ponette" are good examples of sensitive and beautiful movies featuring children that were made east of the Atlantic. And Spain in particular has contributed some fantastic films in this area. "The Spirit of the Beehive" is among the best such movies ever made anywhere. The star of that movie, Ana Torrent (7-8 years old), has become an icon in Spain, but the typical American response to the name is, "Ana Who?" Ana has grown into an adult now, and in Spain they've had the great fortune of watching her career from child well into mature adult.
The following paragraph contains SPOILERS. In "El Nido," made when she was perhaps twelve or so, Ana plays a thirteen year old student, Goyita, who falls in love with a 60 or so widower. The widower, Don Alejandro (Hector Altero) is spellbound, almost bewitched be her. Her self absorbed, but not evil, adolescent/child character keeps making demands of him to prove his love for her, demands that require him to sacrifice deeper and deeper aspects of himself. Goyita is dealing with pressures and demands in her own life and finds in Alejandro not only someone who loves her without qualification, but a means of survival in her repressive world; in no way is she a "Bad Seed" type. Their idyllic day together is filled with some fantastically touching images. Watching Ana Torrent's subtle responses to Alejandro's words is a priceless experience. She is one of the most beautiful and talented actresses I've ever seen. (SPOILER) In one scene she and her young teacher, Marissa (Patricia Adriani) face off in one of the best woman-to-woman duels in film history.
The story unwraps slowly, gently - it's an idyll to be savored. I highly recommend "El Nido." Unfortunately, it's not easy to find these days on this side of the Atlantic. I've only seen it at used video sites. But it's worth the effort.
The following paragraph contains SPOILERS. In "El Nido," made when she was perhaps twelve or so, Ana plays a thirteen year old student, Goyita, who falls in love with a 60 or so widower. The widower, Don Alejandro (Hector Altero) is spellbound, almost bewitched be her. Her self absorbed, but not evil, adolescent/child character keeps making demands of him to prove his love for her, demands that require him to sacrifice deeper and deeper aspects of himself. Goyita is dealing with pressures and demands in her own life and finds in Alejandro not only someone who loves her without qualification, but a means of survival in her repressive world; in no way is she a "Bad Seed" type. Their idyllic day together is filled with some fantastically touching images. Watching Ana Torrent's subtle responses to Alejandro's words is a priceless experience. She is one of the most beautiful and talented actresses I've ever seen. (SPOILER) In one scene she and her young teacher, Marissa (Patricia Adriani) face off in one of the best woman-to-woman duels in film history.
The story unwraps slowly, gently - it's an idyll to be savored. I highly recommend "El Nido." Unfortunately, it's not easy to find these days on this side of the Atlantic. I've only seen it at used video sites. But it's worth the effort.