Ismael

I picked this film up at my local video club with the hope that it would be, at the worst, not bad. I got far more than I had bargained for. This is another one of those films that prove that the Spanish film industry has a lot to say.

The story is well developed and maintains a steady pace that keeps you glued to the screen. The script is intelligent, interweaving human drama with touches of humour in a very natural way (life and its ups and downs). As to the actors, Belén Rueda is so versatile that she can undertake any role she wants. Once again, it was a real pleasure to watch her filling the role with such naturalness - she doesn't act the part, she IS the part. The rest of the cast performed very well. Larsson do Amaral (Ismael) was perfect for the part. Mario Casas (Félix) took on a difficult role that he filled well. Sergi López (Jordi), whom I didn't know, was an excellent surprise. There were so many nuances in his expressions. Juan Diego Botto (Luis) transmitted well the sufferings of an adoptive father.

I think it must be the first time I've watched a film that is directed by Marcelo Piñeyro. For me, a discovery. He did an excellent job bringing out the feelings of each actor's role, building a highly human film that I summarise as a "quality film" well worth watching.