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The storyline is very predictable. But I did not watch this film hoping for deep insights or for political reasons. The 60's music in the film is fun and carefree and not serious. Like most coming of age movies "Besos" tends to glamorize and hype teen rebellion. I remember the late 60's as being much more conservative. Most college students were much more serious. But then this is like many such stories that are more about "what I wish I had done and said". I was not in Spain in the 60's, but I was in the US and Mexico and there were characters like those in the film. Life was much more spontaneous because we were all more spontaneous when we were younger. The music is a 10, the story is a 5. I cannot comment on Franco's Spain but others who were there tell me it was harsh. Mexico's government was also harsh and corrupt at the time(and still is-a revolution?), and in the US for certain groups of society it was also harsh and corrupt(Mississippi Burning, Harvest of Shame).

I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, I just enjoy Spanish drama. But the movie opened with an old man stalking a young woman and so it grabbed my interest right away. He claims to be her grandfather and she is just as certain that he is confused or crazy. She is a kindergarten teacher and suddenly realizes that she cannot remember her childhood before coming to Spain as an infant. She knows that her father and mother are Argentine but knows only that her father is a businessman. When she sees her father's friends and then her father accused of crimes against humanity in Argentine, she agrees to meet with the old man. I thought the lead actress as "Monica" was very good. I enjoyed the history lesson. I enjoyed the quest for justice.

I enjoyed this film even though it was disturbing and violent at times. Although it doesn't state in what country this tale is taking place, the characters speak with a Mexican accent. The two main characters, Don Plutarco and the Capitan, were very authentic. I grew up on small ranches and am of Mexican descent and the character of Don Plutarco reminded me of many of the old men I met in the fields, wise but stubborn, acting helpless but always looking to take advantage. The Capitan reminded me of many career soldiers I met in the Army. Cunning and with that ability to see into your soul. Does he see the obvious? Will he take pity on his fellow countrymen? The interplay between the two is like a chess match but one in which the outcome is certain from the beginning. An excellent film.