Manolito Gafotas

This is a family tale narrated in sensitivity and intelligence , especially dealing with relationships between a little boy (David Sanchez) , his parents (Robert Alvarez , Adriana Ozores) , grandfather (recently deceased Antonio Gamero) and friends . Funny and moving story about a lower-class family living in barrio Carabanchel , Madrid . This is a comic look at contemporary Madrid from the point of view of ten year old called Manolito . Then , the usually absent father shows up to take him on a road trip and dad-son relationship enhances . As a host of characters, completely change the tedious life of Manolito Gafotas or Manolito Four Eyes .

Based on the best selling children's novels written by known novelist Elvira Lindo , Miguel Albadalejo's usual screenwriter , including a well written script delving into the children psyche . Elvira is a notorious Spanish writer and journalist , creator of the Spanish famous literature character Manolito Gafotas and she performed Manolito in a radio program for several years . Funny film plenty of good feeling , witty , the picture has crossed-over from Spain to become a hilarious family entertainment ; being narrated in great sense of ductility and fairness . It's an adorable , quiet film , dealing with childhood , being perfectly acted and concerning the narration about the relationship between a child and his family . The film attempts to spread optimism about the events of life , with its amusing sides but also including familiar discussions . Not trying to be unrealistic and make everything as in a domestic tale but giving way to mirth and humor . Plenty of emotional and family feeling in which solidarity triumphs and humor despite the poorness and penury . In addition , the film gives us a nice panorama about a lower-class family , its pity , goodness , sacrifice , work , shortage , companionship and various situations happen in its existence . The film has become one of the hits of 1999 with over 1 million admissions at the Spanish box office . Main and support cast are frankly well . Gentle , sympathetic Roberto Alvarez as the daddy along with Adriana Ozores as mummy , both of whom give good performances , and the little boy played by David Sanchez , all of them finally to be aware the meaning of the familiar relation and learn each other . Supporting cast is frankly excellent such as Antonio Gamero as grandfather , Marta Fernandez Muro as neighbor La Luisa , Fedra Lorente as Alicia , Gloria Muñoz as Asuncion , the deceased Francisco Valladares , among others . It is an endearing and intimate film , well directed and well acted , but perhaps fails a little the main protagonist , Manolito , whose optimism is as obvious that results to be exaggerated, furthermore contains an excessive voice in off . This agreeable picture for children and adults alike , has attended numerous international film festivals including The Berlinale where it got particular consideration by the Jury.

Special mention to colorful and atmospheric cinematography , being filmed in Madrid , Toledo and Girona by Alfonso Sanz , a good cameraman who has photographed most films directed by Albadalejo . Lively as well as jolly musical score by Lucio Godoy . The motion picture was professionally directed by Miguel Albadalejo , a fine craftsman expert on comedy and drama as proved in ¨Bear Club¨, ¨Cielo Abierto¨, ¨Volando voy¨, ¨Rencor¨, ¨Ataque Verbal¨ and ¨The first life of my life¨, among others . Rating : 6 . This a good-feeling movie full of mirth , humor elements and amusement . Followed by an inferior sequel titled ¡Manolito Gafota , Mola Ser Jefe¡ (2001) by Joan Potau with Doro Berenguer as Manolito , José Luis Carrillo as El Imbecil , María Barranco as Cata and El Gran Wyoming as Manolo .