Emilio de Diego Movies

Using the viewpoint of real school children slowly finding out about Federico García Lorca, director Jaime Camino unveils the life, literary works, and personality of Spain's great writer, tragically murdered by the gunfire of fascist soldiers in 1936 when he was only 38 years old. Just as important as the loss of García Lorca is the fact that the school children are not too clear on who he was or why there was a Civil War in 1936 -- both are vague and unfamiliar topics. A re-enactment of the poet's murder is shocking in its brutality, all the more so once Camino has provided excerpts from the poet's dramas and verse, and his genius and sensitivity are brought home. Included in this informative documentary are scenes from Granada, where García Lorca was born, and of places he knew well, such as New York City and Seville, with a recollection of the Spain of his day provided through old newsreels and photographs. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

This allegorical drama is said to depict the state of Spanish society under Franco's dictatorship, and the film won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 1978. In the story, nothing can possibly go wrong at the annual dinner of the fishing club. Nothing will go wrong. The members are determined to see it just that way, despite evidence to the contrary. A mob of outsiders just tried to crash the party. The cooks briefly went on strike but were persuaded to serve up the members' catch of trout anyway. The fish is liberally dosed with good-tasting sauces. Despite the awful taste, the fish cannot possibly be rotten -- after all, the loyal members of the club just caught them. Nothing is wrong with the members either, although they appear to be dying. The party will go on, the usual self-congratulatory speeches will be made, and the awards will be given. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi