This film was fantastic for so many reasons. First off, as a director she chose restraint where most American films (much indie film included) are afraid to do so. Many moments spoke for themselves and she didn't fall into the trap of needing them to be neatly tied or revisited.
She was not afraid of silences and visual poetry, which my wife and I enjoyed immensely.
For anyone lucky enough to have lived in Spain (we lived there and in Argentina for many years, seeing the effects of economic crises up close) it is clear that there is no forced attempt at dark comedy here - the combination of economic crises and rigid bureaucracy forces thousands to emigrate and leaves hard working, decent people in insanely complex isolation with no way out. Extreme choices result. Sometimes a little laughter is essential to survival in those situations! Through the small simple world she creates (undoubtedly on a very tight budget) she portrays this brilliantly.
And her Mom?! It appears this is the only acting she's ever done and she was fantastic!
Thank you, Amalia! We loved it.
She was not afraid of silences and visual poetry, which my wife and I enjoyed immensely.
For anyone lucky enough to have lived in Spain (we lived there and in Argentina for many years, seeing the effects of economic crises up close) it is clear that there is no forced attempt at dark comedy here - the combination of economic crises and rigid bureaucracy forces thousands to emigrate and leaves hard working, decent people in insanely complex isolation with no way out. Extreme choices result. Sometimes a little laughter is essential to survival in those situations! Through the small simple world she creates (undoubtedly on a very tight budget) she portrays this brilliantly.
And her Mom?! It appears this is the only acting she's ever done and she was fantastic!
Thank you, Amalia! We loved it.