'O Home e o Can' is a gem of Galician independent cinema and independent cinema in general. The film touches the heart in an impressive way, tackling deep themes such as unchosen loneliness, mental disabilities, poverty and theft with remarkable sensitivity and beauty.
If there is one actor in the Galician scene that I dislike, it is Manuel Manquiña. Seriously, I can't stand him, I don't buy it, he's a tremendously overacting prude, I really overdislike him. So this is something you will never see: me speaking well of him. If I ever criticize a product that he is in, I will lower his score for his mere presence, cos his presence turns any project into a terrible krap.
The performances are, for the most part, outstanding. Manuel Manquiña, who I normally criticize fiercely, gives a performance here that deserves praise. It is a total contrast to what I usually think of him. Pauliña, in her role as Paula, also shines, both in her performance and in her impressive voice. The sonorous mother is another charming detail that adds an additional layer of emotion.
However, the film's biggest downfall is the lighting. It's an absolute disaster. In several scenes, the spotlight is clearly in front of the actors, creating shadows that do no good at all and make the film look even cheaper and poorly made. The lighting ruins the black and white, giving it an artificial look that is very unattractive. It's like a low-budget Ulli Lommel film.
Despite these flaws, the film has moments of genuine emotion. One of the most shocking scenes is when the protagonist discovers that he cannot be arrested because he is mentally handicapped. His joy is so genuine and raw that it's heartbreaking. It's one of the most emotional scenes I've ever seen: brief but with an overwhelming emotional charge.
In short, 'O Home e o Can' is a wonderful film with a story that touches the soul, despite its disastrous lighting. I give it a 9 out of 10, and for those who think it's easy to criticize, I would do much better lighting.
