MUÑECAS DE TRAPO (1984)
Ultra obscure drama directed by Jorge Grau, a filmmaker who, for some unknown reason, had his work (with the exception of two horrors) lost in limbo! This was the 5th film of him I saw and I really think this guy need to be rediscovered (or discovered, to be more exact).
The film here reviewed is among Grau's most forgotten entries. Just to give an idea of such ostracism, there is absolutely no review of it in the web! As expected, the only copy available is a poor VHS transfer and I doubt that a proper release surfaces someday.
"Muñecas de Trapo" deals with a very updated subject matter: homosexuality. In these times where gender and sexual identities are increasingly being debated, a film like this is a must see. Ana Gracia and Beatriz Galbó give solid performances as two best friends who have their lives turned inside out, when they start to love each other. Topics like love, jealousy, conflicts of identity and the role of women in their relationships with men are raised in a sincered way, without falling in the easy trap of cheap sensationalism.
The open ending is one of the high points of a story that couldn't finish in a simple way. It is not a happy ending, but it isn't a sad one either. Just like real life, the film doesn't bring a definitive solution for the protagonists' dilemma and a genuine feeling of "life goes on" is successfully achieved...
