A cambio de nada

A cambio de nada, directed by Daniel Guzmán, feels personal and authentic from the very first frame. Set in Batán, Paseo de Extremadura, and other parts of Madrid, the film not only brings a touch of realism for those familiar with these neighborhoods but also enhances the film's costumbrista (slice-of-life) atmosphere.

The movie's strength lies in the credibility of its dialogues and the humanity of its characters. Guzmán manages to convey the transition from adolescence to adulthood with simplicity and sincerity, avoiding forced drama and maintaining a balance between tenderness and the harshness of reality. The result is a story that, while seemingly simple, is filled with genuine emotions.

The performances add even more depth to the narrative. The cast, particularly the lead actor, perfectly captures the uncertainty, rebelliousness, and vulnerability that define this stage of life. The film also shines in its moments of subtle humor, which lighten the dramatic load without diminishing its impact.

In short, A cambio de nada is a film that touches the heart without relying on gimmicks, offering an intimate and realistic look at the world of Madrid's youth, with the neighborhood itself acting as a character that brings this story to life.

It wasn't necessary but the disclaimer at the end makes it clear for those who were not sure yet. This is a very personal movie, aimed directly at the family of the filmmaker and his own experience as young adult. And the story does feel like a recapturing and retelling of things that happened in real life.

And while other movies are based or at least constructed over real facts. This one feels a bit more like a drag. Like a notebook, reading the episodes and wonder if there was a way to interfere, but not be able to. The quality is there and the acting is good, but it does feel a bit disconnected adding episodes and adventures of a young adult struggling with becoming responsible (not really trying that hard), getting laid, finding money, doing stuff in general ... And all that under minimal supervision, because ... Life!

At the risk of over-generalizing, I wonder if this film would appeal more to European sensibilities than American ones. I notice that a lot of European films are more "slice of life" portrayals as opposed to traditional plot constructions (intro->buildup->conflict- >resolution). Yes, "A cambio de nada" has a plot and a conflict, but it feels secondary to the theme of the film - a portrayal of a young man's troubled life.

It's probably just my American sensibilities, but I was a bit bored by "A cambio de nada." Not that much happens during the movie, it's more just a description of a the troubled life of a Madrid teenager. But if you like "slice of life" type films, then you'll like this one. The acting is first rate. Of course, you would expect no less from Luis Tosar, 3-time Goya winner, who plays the troubled teen's father. But the novices really stand out here. The director's grandmother plays a lonely old woman who befriends Dario, the troubled youth. Even with zero acting experience, the lady is a star. Most of all, Miguel Herran, who plays Dario, is terrific. I can see why he won the Goya for best male newcomer ("mejor actor revelacion").

I'm glad I watched it. The quality of the dialogue and acting made the film more than worth my while. Even though I did find it a bit slow, I give it seven stars because the overall quality of the film is excellent, even if the film itself wasn't my particular taste.

¨Daniel Guzmán's A Cambio De Nada¨ , a friendship dramedy , produced by Axel Kuschevatzky , Arias Salgado topped Spain's 30th Spanish Academy Goya Awards Saturday night , kudos ceremony that lived up to its status as the widest open of recent years , spreading its plaudits widely . This is a great film , worthy of wider release . Interesting story about two teens , Darío (Miguel Herrán) and the chubby , tall Luismi (Antonio Bachiller) that takes place in a Madrid suburb . Enjoyable look about a pair of adolescents of lower class in suburban barrios and their problems with parents and environment . This is a coming-of-age story in the vein of ¨Barrio ¨, ¨City of God¨ and ¨Kids¨ . Dario is an unadapted and unknown boy for his parents who have marital problems , daddy (a trucker well played by Luis Tosar , as always) and mom (María Miguel) , suffering their separation . His family is distorted , Dario ordinarily discusses his troublesome parents and he , in addition , has problems at school and dedicates his time to sell stolen objects . Dario and Luismi live in a ¨Barrio¨ or "Neighborhood" and both of them want to getaway from it . Their emotional loneliness and isolation to be led to tragic consequences . Its summertime and Dario got away from home , running from his familiar hell . An unfortunate mechanic called Justo Caralimpia (Felipe García Vélez) an old lady named Antonia (Antonia Guzmán , in real life Daniel Guzmán's grandmother) that collects left furniture in her three wheeler will become his new family . Meanwhile , the two teens dedicate themselves their occupations , as Dario as a robbed pieces dealer as well as executing small thefts in malls . Later on , they carry out a big heist with lousy results . At the end takes place an astounding tragedy .

Engaging picture concerning about adolescent life , exclusion , family separation and many other things . The characters live in loneliness , who attempt to avoid by means of friendship and strange unions , as three generations meet in a metropolis that is too big to be alone . ¨Nothing in return¨ is one of several movies dealing with Spanish adolescence and their particularities such as : rude education , jobless , sex , family maladjustment , isolation and delinquency , all of them interwoven with problematic parents-children relationships . This genre achieved splendor during the 70s and early 80s such as ¨Perros Callejeros I and II¨, ¨Perras Callejeras¨ , ¨ Los Ultimos Golpes Del Torete¨, ¨Yo el Vaquilla¨, mostly realized by Jose Antonio De La Loma , ¨Navajeros , "Colegas", "El Pico" by Eloy De La Iglesia and especially ¨Deprisa , Deprisa¨ by Carlos Saura . Seen today , these films are unique documents on how life was lived and perceived during that period . Being notorious in the years of the Spanish transition to democracy including polemic issues and played by unknown young people . Delinquency, and generational problems are the habitual subjects in these films and a very realistic look . Here there is a similar premise , as some hapless teenagers from lower class living hardly in Madrid streets , then they carry out tiny crimes and misdemeanors . We see their troubles with parents ,and police , at the same time growing in such streets , slums or "barrios" from Madrid outskirts and some fine locations . The director creates a sort of Spanish Neo-Realism by tackling the Spanish way of life of a duo of teenagers in the streets from a sociological point of view ; being rightly portrayed the city of Madrid , in the so-called popular Barrios . His style is pretty much urban and realistic as well in the atmosphere as in the fresh dialog and attempted to take a position in favor of outcast people . Filmmaker Daniel Guzmán shows the environment of these ¨barrios" , toughness and cold existence along with some nice scenes when the two boys assemble themselves and deal with jokes , sex , dirty humor and both of whom pull off tiny thefts . The main cast is pretty well , including young and rookie actors . As nice acting by Miguel Herrán as 16 years-old Dario who got away from home , and Antonio Bachiller as Luismi , his unconditional friend . The support cast is formed by experienced players , such as Felipe García Vélez playing the poor looser Justo Caralimpia , Luis Tosar as father and Luis Rellan as teacher . This film achieved several Goyas and nominations . Daniel Guzmán's Nothing in Return¨¨ , obtained six nominations , it competed in the Best Picture category . It won Goya Best New Actor : Miguel Herrán , Best New Director . And won in Málaga Spanish Film Festival 2015 , the following prizes : Golden Biznaga Best Film , Best Director, Best Supporting Actor : Antonio Bachiller.

Colorful and evocative cinematography by Josu Inchaustegui , being filmed on location . The motion picture was compellingly directed by Daniel Guzmán , realizing in realistic style , and being recently available for the first time in the U.S . It took more than five years to be made , between the writing of the screenplay, putting together the money and the actual shot and post production . Daniel Guzmán was born in 1973 , Madrid, location where he often shoots his flicks and shorts . Daniel began working in cinema in the 90s as a secondary actor , filming shorts and writing screenplays . He is a nice writer and director, but especially actor , known for ¨A Golpes¨, ¨Mia Sarah¨, ¨Rewind¨ , ¨El Grito En El Cielo¨ , ¨Extasis¨, ¨Eso¨ , but usually working for TV : ¨Velvet¨, ¨La Familia Mata¨, ¨Aquí no Hay Quien Viva¨, ¨London Street¨ , ¨Policias¨, ¨Severo Ochoa¨, among others .

Una película diferente, de la vida de a pie, muy interesante.