67 reviews
This is a contemplative but powerful drama with scarce dialogue and where the movie relies on the absolute amazing photography and great acting of Mario Casas and Irene Escolar. It's a story about loneliness, hardship and survival in the rural northern country side of Spain in late 19th century that depicts the relationship between a trapper and his young wife. The lack of dialogue creates an atmosphere that is contagious and transfers the emotional state of the characters to the perfection. Extermely well done, Bravo!
- hello-69076
- Jul 7, 2018
- Permalink
- jfbbcsjrqg
- Sep 8, 2022
- Permalink
- Horror_Flick_Fanatic
- Jul 29, 2018
- Permalink
It is not accurate to call the main character a brute.
Acts of tenderness:
He spares the wolf who sneaks up on him to tell him that something is wrong at home.
He caresses a small goat.
He nurses his wife back to health.
He helps his wife carry her bag up the mountain.
He prepares breakfast for his wife when he learns that she is pregnant.
He builds, not one but, two cribs.
There are many more examples!
Leave aside the story that has been used so many times on the hegemony on women. But the most important point of the film is the photography. the shots tell us the film with a photographic aesthetics that could be a lesson about how to use this art in cinema. the photos remind us of those paintings of the Dutch Renaissance style. moreover, during the film, the story that based on violence and exploitation of women remains so.
Late 19th century , a unfriendly mountain man called Martinon : Mario Casas lives alone in the mountains , exception for when he goes down to the nearest village , there is advised by his only friend Severino : Kandido Uranga to marry a local girl . Martinon then decides to buy a wife from a countryman : Josean Bengoetxea, as the latter in exchange of a lot of furs , he gives him his daughter Pascuala : Ruth Díaz . As she is his unwilling woman to live with him in a remote cabin in the woods.
A solid but uneven and slow-moving film with exciting events , emotion , violence , thrills and long love scenes . The picture narrates the odyssey of a rough , unkind trapper living lonely , subsequently the highlander buys a wife to relieve his loneliness . The flick bears remarkable resemblance to "The Trap" 1966 by Sydney Hayers with Rita Tushingam and Oliver Reed in a similar role to Mario Casas who gives a decent interpretation . It displays colorful and gorgeous cinematography by Aitor Mantxola with outdoors from Huesca , Aragon Pyrenees, showing splendidly winty wilderness , wildlife and lush forests . As well as sensitive and evocative musical score by Paloma Peñarrubia. The motion picture was professional but slowly directed by Samuel Fuentes , in his feauture film debut , he previously was director assistant. Rating : 5.5/10 . Passable and acceptable . The flick will appeal to Mario Casas fans.
A solid but uneven and slow-moving film with exciting events , emotion , violence , thrills and long love scenes . The picture narrates the odyssey of a rough , unkind trapper living lonely , subsequently the highlander buys a wife to relieve his loneliness . The flick bears remarkable resemblance to "The Trap" 1966 by Sydney Hayers with Rita Tushingam and Oliver Reed in a similar role to Mario Casas who gives a decent interpretation . It displays colorful and gorgeous cinematography by Aitor Mantxola with outdoors from Huesca , Aragon Pyrenees, showing splendidly winty wilderness , wildlife and lush forests . As well as sensitive and evocative musical score by Paloma Peñarrubia. The motion picture was professional but slowly directed by Samuel Fuentes , in his feauture film debut , he previously was director assistant. Rating : 5.5/10 . Passable and acceptable . The flick will appeal to Mario Casas fans.
A powerful and thought-provoking film that tells the story of Martinón, a man who lives in a ghost town in the high mountains, and his struggles with identity, family, and relationships. Set in the late 19th century, the film paints a raw and gritty portrait of life in the mountains and the harsh conditions people had to endure.
The film is written and directed by Samu Fuentes and stars Mario Casas as Martinón, a rude man of few words. Casas delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Martinón, making the audience feel his pain and confusion. The supporting cast performs strongly, particularly Irene Escolar, who plays Adela.
The film's cinematography is also noteworthy. Natural lighting and landscapes give the film a sense of realism and intimacy, making the audience feel right there with the characters. The film's story is also very well written, tackling complex themes of identity, family, and culture.
The film also deals with isolation and how it can affect people's lives and relationships.
Bajo la Piel de Lobo is a film that should be noticed. It is a powerful, thought-provoking film with great performances, stunning cinematography, and a well-written story. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
The film is written and directed by Samu Fuentes and stars Mario Casas as Martinón, a rude man of few words. Casas delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Martinón, making the audience feel his pain and confusion. The supporting cast performs strongly, particularly Irene Escolar, who plays Adela.
The film's cinematography is also noteworthy. Natural lighting and landscapes give the film a sense of realism and intimacy, making the audience feel right there with the characters. The film's story is also very well written, tackling complex themes of identity, family, and culture.
The film also deals with isolation and how it can affect people's lives and relationships.
Bajo la Piel de Lobo is a film that should be noticed. It is a powerful, thought-provoking film with great performances, stunning cinematography, and a well-written story. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
- ribeiroavelar
- Jan 13, 2023
- Permalink
If you have watched Oliver Reed's 'The Trap (1966)', then this 2017 Spanish version is not as good as most the viewers commented. Yes, the camera works looked pretty modern, but the Spanish actor who played the loner simply is not on the same level as Oliver Reed who was more energetic and macho 100 times more. If you like this Spanish production, then I suggest you please try to find Oliver Reed's 1966 movie for a blast!
- housearrestedever
- May 21, 2021
- Permalink
- madalinashop
- May 28, 2024
- Permalink
It's hard to understand what the director was going for with this film. At the beginning you spend a lot of time with the lead character as he tries to survive the hardships of living a solitary life up in an abandoned village at the top of a mountain, but even from the off the guy is pretty horrible and quite disgusting and you just can't bring yourself to have any sympathy for him. When he was eating I continually felt my stomach heave as pigs in a sty make less noise eating than he did, and when he was working he made this animalistic wheeze which was also quite sickening. When he eventually decides to take a woman, and I mean take a woman, from the village down the mountain, things don't work out so well and from here I just wanted someone to gut the horrible oaf and be done with it. I won't even go into the sex scenes which were clearly more of a rape than anything humanistic. Maybe this is how men are expected to be seen in Spain, like macho neanderthal cavemen, I really dont know, or maybe it was just bad film making where the director didn't know how to add some balance so we could at least see some likeability in his main man, but no, the guy was hateful, unlikeable, and I felt no connection with him whatsoever. The movie was kinda dull after a while too I must say.
- horizon2008
- Jul 15, 2018
- Permalink
This film blew me away. Not only was the cinematography exceptional, the score lent itself perfectly to the stark yet beautiful surrounds. Mario Casas played the mountain man perfectly, an uncultured and uncouth brute who intimidates all who come before him. A man out of time living in tune with wild nature. The film evokes the sense that the modern world is a veil, and that nature is a brutal yet beautiful mistress, it resonated with me because modern people have forgotten what is necessary to survive within the natural world. His constant work, his constant prowling, he leaps off the screen part animal and part man. He could be the earliest homo sapien living in the Paleolithic.
Yet in his one true friend in the village, in his small acts of affection, in his final act of mercy, and in his rare emotions, the viewer glimpses something which is uniquely human, both of nature and set apart from it. Despite his wild and solitary nature, his true heart is revealed in subtle and clever ways. Both director and actor carry this off masterfully. The only reason I don't give this 10/10 is because I thought that even a mountain man would recognize that verbal communication and affection were important, a small oversight in the screenplay imo, but all in this was a thought provoking, and quite touching insight into the human condition. If you enjoy thought provoking, beautifully shot and acted films which evoke real feeling, I recommend this.
Yet in his one true friend in the village, in his small acts of affection, in his final act of mercy, and in his rare emotions, the viewer glimpses something which is uniquely human, both of nature and set apart from it. Despite his wild and solitary nature, his true heart is revealed in subtle and clever ways. Both director and actor carry this off masterfully. The only reason I don't give this 10/10 is because I thought that even a mountain man would recognize that verbal communication and affection were important, a small oversight in the screenplay imo, but all in this was a thought provoking, and quite touching insight into the human condition. If you enjoy thought provoking, beautifully shot and acted films which evoke real feeling, I recommend this.
- kevingibbins
- Jul 15, 2018
- Permalink
If you're looking for an action packed film with a happy ending this movie is not for you. It has a slow pace with very little dialogue. To really appreciate this film you have to be willing to slow down and watch carefully. Many reviews have made the main character, Martinon out to be a villain, uncaring and a beast of a man without a compassionate bone in his body. He is direct and needs a lesson in table manners and general social skills but underneath all that, if you take the time to really watch and understand this man and his experiences, it's evident that he can be gentle and kind and capable of great love if anyone had given him a chance. I don't write reviews very often but I felt strongly enough about this one that I just couldn't help myself.
- chelsea_steiner
- Nov 21, 2023
- Permalink
There are so many scenes of him chewing with his mouth open and the sound engineer sure made it sure we all got to hear it. So annoying.
It is the lead trait defining it. but not only. maybe, not the most significant. bitter and strange and useful and a poem -like. a film about loneliness in its most profound sense. the silence, the music, the photography, the landscapes, the close -up. each defining a profound special film. short, a film out of any description or definition. reflection of a state of soul. simple. and cold. perfect in each detail. a useful film. about a world from XIX century. but, in fact, a question about yourself. is it a masterpiece ? surrely, it is more.
- Kirpianuscus
- Jul 16, 2018
- Permalink
The solitary trapper living in the mountains finally makes his way to town and ties the knot with the woman he's been admiring for a long time. Her father and the entire town are in debt to him. However, he doesn't consider the hardships of his lifestyle or the possibility that she may have been involved with other men. As a result, things don't go smoothly for her. He's quite upset because he genuinely cared for her. It's not every day you find a bride who was essentially bought, and who also enjoys your company.
So, the dad basically chucks the younger daughter at him to dodge any issues, but he gives her a backup plan. If she's not feeling it, she's got this pouch of poison. She can either take him out or herself. I won't give away if they end up head over heels or if they go on a wild killing spree. All I'll say is, it's an arthouse drama. It drags on for an hour and 50 minutes when it could've wrapped up in about an hour. I was super annoyed every time I had to watch that guy chow down and make gross noises. I get he's a dude, but seriously. I would've plotted his demise the second he started eating like a beast in front of me. I'd be like, "So, can you show me around? Just in case something goes down, I might need to know my escape routes..."
People often remain silent for extended periods because they don't engage in self-talk when they're by themselves. The scenery is breathtaking. But the man eating might just make any female observer feel the urge to poison him or do somethingelse horrible to end him. No hints about the ending or whether he and the younger sister hit it off. You'll have to endure the lengthy movie like I did.
So, the dad basically chucks the younger daughter at him to dodge any issues, but he gives her a backup plan. If she's not feeling it, she's got this pouch of poison. She can either take him out or herself. I won't give away if they end up head over heels or if they go on a wild killing spree. All I'll say is, it's an arthouse drama. It drags on for an hour and 50 minutes when it could've wrapped up in about an hour. I was super annoyed every time I had to watch that guy chow down and make gross noises. I get he's a dude, but seriously. I would've plotted his demise the second he started eating like a beast in front of me. I'd be like, "So, can you show me around? Just in case something goes down, I might need to know my escape routes..."
People often remain silent for extended periods because they don't engage in self-talk when they're by themselves. The scenery is breathtaking. But the man eating might just make any female observer feel the urge to poison him or do somethingelse horrible to end him. No hints about the ending or whether he and the younger sister hit it off. You'll have to endure the lengthy movie like I did.
- tknmzombie
- Aug 2, 2024
- Permalink
Lead Acting 7.5
Supporting Acting 8
Writing (Character development, story line): 6.5
Directing 8
Message 5
Watch it Again: 6.5
- tuggspeedman-18211
- Oct 20, 2018
- Permalink
One of the worst movies I've watched this year. Don't know what movie have watched those that call this "masterpiece". It is a kind of no-talking movie like Cast Away, but imagine no Tom Hanks, no plot and.... no movie!!
The only you will see is a good and repulsive Mario Casas acting, probably one of his best acting but in probably one of his worst movies. Some reviewers talks about a "message" or something... I couldn't find any "message" but just an empty movie and no plot. I want those 2 hours back!
If the Director made this movie to test the audience's patience, well, I'll like to inform Netflix and the Director that I watched the movie till the ending, so I'm officially requesting my prize!.
In some places you learn to survive without realizing it. The Pyrenees in the late1800s is such a place. Survival in this mountain wilderness demands constant focus and attention. Martinon, a brutish and solitary trapper, only comes into town to trade furs for supplies. In his latest run Martinon nonchalantly adds, as he would a sack of potatoes, a woman to the list. At least one of the pair is in for a rude awakening.
Mario Casas (Martinon) is something of a Spanish Mark Wahlberg. Since he appeared at the same Miami Film Festival screening I was at, I almost suffocated in the accompanying tide of estrogen! It is wonderful to behold the beauty of the Pyrenees scenery, waterfalls and changing seasons. The minimal dialogue of the film is fine, but this loss of conversational depth was not compensated for in other areas.
Mario Casas (Martinon) is something of a Spanish Mark Wahlberg. Since he appeared at the same Miami Film Festival screening I was at, I almost suffocated in the accompanying tide of estrogen! It is wonderful to behold the beauty of the Pyrenees scenery, waterfalls and changing seasons. The minimal dialogue of the film is fine, but this loss of conversational depth was not compensated for in other areas.
- Blue-Grotto
- Aug 18, 2018
- Permalink
- dnljordaan
- Jul 15, 2018
- Permalink
The movie was, at times, painful to watch with its lack of drama and over-extended slow-paced scenes, but by the end, I grew to appreciate the irony hidden throughout the film.
- andrewchristianjr
- Aug 10, 2020
- Permalink
... like a free-range boar, except that he possesses enough vocabulary to occasionally give his woman some basic commands.
The character is played to perfection, if the intention is to portray a dull, unimaginative oaf who has not grasped the elementary basics of cohabiting with even one other human being, aside from "mating" with her crudely and evidently, quite painfully, according to the reaction of the object of his short-spanned attention.
The story is predictable and uninteresting - and I found no merit in it at all. The actors did everything that the director apparently wanted, so they cannot be faulted. I was unable to find any redeeming features other than the filming location - but that is not sufficient to earn more than one star. In my book, that rates it as unwatchable.
The character is played to perfection, if the intention is to portray a dull, unimaginative oaf who has not grasped the elementary basics of cohabiting with even one other human being, aside from "mating" with her crudely and evidently, quite painfully, according to the reaction of the object of his short-spanned attention.
The story is predictable and uninteresting - and I found no merit in it at all. The actors did everything that the director apparently wanted, so they cannot be faulted. I was unable to find any redeeming features other than the filming location - but that is not sufficient to earn more than one star. In my book, that rates it as unwatchable.
Great drama in the best traditions of the european movie! Great acting, powerfull scenario, wonderfull camera, panoramas, touching music. Everything in that movie is perfect. A masterpiece wich would make think about it days after seeing it! I wish the european movie could have the same efficiantg marketing as the american ones!I am lucky to have the possibility to see that genious work!Bravo!!!!!
- alexandrovn
- Jul 13, 2018
- Permalink
- bronwynbirkholz
- Sep 30, 2018
- Permalink
- tamika_dean
- Mar 12, 2021
- Permalink