This is an enjoyable and light comedy set during the Spanish Civil War and Nazi Germany . A very pleasant comedy plenty of humor , emotion , sensitive scenes and mayhem . A company of Spanish movie makers leaves Franco's Spain and moves to Hitler's Germany to make a film in co-production . During the Spanish Civil War , the troupe goes from Spain for a joint production with Nazi UFA led by Goebbles and including a filmmaker who bears remarkable resemblance to Fritz Lang . Besides the problems of any movie set , add to the tensions : a drama about Jews ; as Nazis use Jewish and Gypsy prisoners (Karel Dobry) as extras to give an Andalucian look , the director (Antonio Resines) is sleeping with his main actress named Macarena Granada (Penelope Cruz) with no intention of leaving his spouse , and Macarena cooperates with this Nazi objective in hopes of freeing her daddy from one of Franco's prison . Soon some problems start to arise when Goebbels (Johannes Silberscheneider) himself plies her with favors, the filmmaker and the rest of the crew (Jorge Sanz , Neus Asensi , Rosa Maria Sarda , Loles Leon, Santiago Segura , Jesus Bonilla) encourage her to sleep with him for the good of the filming .
This is an Award Winning picture by Fernando Trueba , the director of ¨Belle Epoque¨ . Comedy with historical background and movie troupe way-of-life elements ; adding culture and politics , including enjoyable performances and adequate set design . ¨La Niña De Tus Ojos¨ results to be other of the innumerable stories to deal with deeds regarding Spanish Civil War , but including jealousies , antics and sexual escapades , being set in Nazi Deutschland , too . A familiar theme about the global horrors of a fratricide war , impossible to forget to our cinema . Based on true events during the filming of Carmen (1938) and Nights in Andalucia (1938), both starring Imperio Argentina . An agreeable story plenty of amusing moments , moving feelings and fun finale . It is a light , wistful comedy , easy to watch , and easier to love . It is as beautifully filmed as it is written and acted . This is one of those rare gems that does not stray from its purpose - to be a celebration of love and romance - and comic tale of a company who suffers several dangers and funny situations in another country during a hectic time , including the sad ¨Kristallnachat¨, (1938), being splendidly recreated . This is an tragicomedy that blends tragic elements , humor and irony . A serious/ironic film about xenophobia , racism and Jews brutal persecution . Director Fernando Trueba , also writes the interesting script along with prestigious screenwriter Rafael Azcona , Luis Garcia Berlanga's usual and David Trueba , Fernando's brother . Filmed in his usual formal and luxurious style , without leaving a trace the joyful themes , in terms of fun and narrative excitement . Unforgettable Penelope Cruz who though plays a Folkloric player , Imperio Argentina lookalike , she parades sexily at her best and more relaxed and enticing than ever . The hit of the show is undoubtedly for the fetching Penelope who gives one of the best screen acting . Very good secondary cast formed by Spanish familiar faces such as Rosa Maria Sarda , Neus Asensi , Santiago Segura , Jesus Bonilla , Maria Barranco , Juan Luis Galiardo as the Ambassador and many others . Evocative and jolly musical score by Antoine Duhamel , including various Folkloric songs marvelously sung by Penelope Cruz . In addition , a spotless pictorial cinematography by Javier Aguirresarobe and a willingness , almost perfect of the elements of each shot , every sequence , every space ; being filmed in Prague , Czech Republic . Aguirresarobe subsequently would make a prestigious career in Hollywood such as ¨Fright night , ¨The twilight saga: eclipse¨, ¨The road¨ , ¨The others¨ and many others . The picture is entertaining and well worth your time . The film is light and never somber, no small accomplishment from Fernando Trueba and his team.
This simple, delightful motion picture was well directed by Fernando Trueba . His first success was Ópera Prima (1980) following the style of the "Madrid comedy". He had major success with Sé Infiel y No mires Quién (1985) also known as : Be Wanton and Tread No Shame , starting a longer collaboration with the producer Andrés Vicente Gómez . He went on directing numerous successes such as Coarse salt , Too Much , Milagro de Candeal , Year of Enlightment , The Girl of Your Dreams , Calle 54 , Embrujo De Shanghai , Chico and Rita and recently : The Artist and the Model . Trueba was President of the Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and he received the 1994 Oscar for Best Foreign Film to Belle Epoque (1992) .
