I saw this movie only once and that was more than five years ago but many scenes are still vivid in my mind as if I saw it yesterday. Like the children jumping over the fire, Ana talking to her father while the two are walking among the beehives, the arrival of the travelling movie theatre or the anatomy lesson in school. And of course you can never forget the face of Ana Torrent (of "Cria Cuervos" fame), who simply is my favourite child actress ever. Please check out "Tesis" to see what a wonderful actress she still is!
And another recommendation : "Whistle Down The Wind" (with Hayley Mills) is a beautiful film with a very similar subject matter. However, it doesn't quite reach the quality of "El espiritu de la colmena", which should be much wider known if there were any justice. There's more to Spanish Cinema than Bunuel and Almodovar!
I hope some day I'll find this little gem again on video or TV, if only because now I'd better understand the political background (Spanish Civil War). 10 out of 10!
And another recommendation : "Whistle Down The Wind" (with Hayley Mills) is a beautiful film with a very similar subject matter. However, it doesn't quite reach the quality of "El espiritu de la colmena", which should be much wider known if there were any justice. There's more to Spanish Cinema than Bunuel and Almodovar!
I hope some day I'll find this little gem again on video or TV, if only because now I'd better understand the political background (Spanish Civil War). 10 out of 10!