This film is framed within the quinqui genre and I think it is quite the masterpiece. The depiction of the sociocultural climate is sublime. De la Iglesia is able to transmitting the oppressive atmosphere of the moment. The "transición" or the bloodless image of it is far from the crude reality. Struggle for self-determination and yearning for immobilism and despotic control clashed in Euskadi. Tortures, executions, militarism and fear was the standard pattern. Drugs were added to the mix and some people believe that this destruction of a generation, of the youth who was the hope of change was conducted by the state itself (and in the rest of depauperate neighborhoods of Madrid and Barcelona). I think that this film succeed in making the viewer uncomfortable. The smell of death permeates everything starting from the familiar home. The pressure and inexorability along with the crude takes transport us to the 80s in all its glory. I really like the naivety and naturalness of the cast (in fact we can look at their stormy lives). I appreciate the personification of danger and attraction into Lali Espinet. José Manuel Cervino nail the stern dimension of the commander. I recommend the sequel since it added new dimensions to this costumbrist portrait.
El pico
(1983)
An excellent movie. Vital if you want to know a little about the 80s in Spain
20 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers