Réquiem por un campesino español

A young Antonio Banderas takes the lead in this adaptation of one of the dullest books i've ever had the misfortune to read. The story follows a Spanish priest who's preparing to deliver a Requiem Mass to pay tribute to a local youngster who was brutally murdered during the Civil War.

Surprisingly, the story lends itself much more satisfyingly to film than is does to literature, and Banderas gives a truly sympathetic performance which grips the viewer right up until the inevitably tragic ending.

Highly recommended. But don't bother with the novel.

Perhaps a close reading of the work by R.J Sender would allow readers to realize the greatness of the novel. Written while in exile, Sender reflects his view of Spain. The use of concise yet telling vocabulary and phrases which make you feel, smell and hear the action make for a great piece of literature. The boy actor in the film does no justice to the Paco Sender created but Banderas does an excellent job. Overall the film is close to the novel's feel. The characters hold true to the country folk feel. The use of the church bells and window for flashbacks is an excellent technique.

THe music follows along nicely and the structure is an easy to follow format.

The main events take place just before the start of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) , on April 14 , 1931 is proclaimed the Spanish republic , Paco (Antonio Banderas) is a young peasant who joins the Republican Party as a councilman , only to become involved in that awful conflict . Paco "el del Molino" is the protagonist of the flick , as Paco is an example of his neighbors , he's a pure, sincere and idealistic man , a leader in the struggle and the most beloved of the people, endowed with messianic qualities . On his side, Mosén Millá (Antonio Ferrandis) is the deuteragonist from this exciting story based on a prestigious novel by Ramon J. Sender . Millán is a kind man , a parish priest of a small town who preaches resignation and humility, accepting the vicissitudes of life and turning the other cheek . Mosén Millán attempts to help the villagers but resulting in fateful consequences.

This interesting historical story is a passionate retelling and a touching warlike drama, adding a colorful cinematography by Raúl Artigot and atmospheric score by Antón García Abril. The film originated an intense discussion in Spain about its principal theme , the Spanish Civil War . ¨Requiem...¨ results to be other of the innumerable stories to deal with dramatic deeds regarding the Civil War background . A familiar theme about the global horrors of a fratricide war , impossible to forget to our cinema . Frances Betriu writes the script faithfully based on Sender novel and being filmed in his usual formal and stylistic scholarship , without leaving a trace the thought-provoking issues , in terms of dramatic and narrative excitement .The main problem has to face "Requiem...", beyond not being able to avoid falling into the politic pamphlet is precisely derived from the coldness of its staging , which eventually becomes monotonous over ninety and some minutes of footage . Despite the fear and convulsive events that the picture evokes , everything is shot with extreme stylistic simplicity but great depth of structure . In this attitude lies a fierce criticism that is reflected where the way of thinking and the ideology of the author Ramon J Sender and director Francisco Betriu himself , being appreciated with extreme clarity . This is a Spanish production with budget enough and obtained much success in the box-office . Excellent cast forming a powerful human group of men and women and giving excellent interpretations . Stars two greatest actors Antonios Banderas as Paco and Antonio Ferrandis as Mosen whose points of views the story is told , both of whom being supported by a very good secondary cast . Fragmented narrative shows different events in Paco's life, from his birth to his death . At the same time, it presents the reflections and justifications of Mosén Millán, who is known to be partially responsible for the capture of Paco. Precisely that responsibility , that discomfort, that terrible burden that Millán bears for having betrayed Paco, further outlines the social reality of the time, which is gradually being described and discovered to us with great narrative mastery . Paco's story is nothing more than an excuse to show reality , the true story, where the author's political commitment to two opposing ideologies is seen . In this way Mosen Millan tries to explain to Paco that the extreme poverty of those who live in the caves is not really that serious if one thinks about the spiritual miseries to which they are exposed and, finally, he also tries to get Paco to accept the fate and resign himself . Along with Antonio Banderas, Antonio Ferrandis appear a lot of familiar secondaries giving nice acting , such as : Fernando Fernán Gómez, Terele Pávez, Ana Gracia, Emilio Gutiérrez Caba , Manuel Zarzo , Antonio Iranzo, Yelena Samarina , María Luisa San José , Eduardo Calvo, Simon Andreu , Maria Isbert and Conrado San Martín.

The motion picture was well produced by Angel Huete , being professionally directed by veteran filmmaker Francesc Betriu . He directed a series of award-winning movies firmly establishing him as one of the best Spanish filmmakers . Betriu was an expert on literary adaptations , he worked from the 60s , being his first one : Tinto con amor (1968) , following the following ones : Corazón solitario , Furia española , La plaza del Diamante , Los fieles sirvientes , La viuda andaluza , Sinatra , La Duquesa Roja , Una Perecta Pareja, El paraíso ya no es lo que era, among others.