El Sur (1983)
Short description
El Sur is a 1983 Spanish drama film directed by Victor Erice and starring Omero Antonutti, Sonsoles Aranguren, and Icíar Bollaín. It tells the story of a young girl named Estrella who is growing up in rural Spain in the 1950s. She is fascinated by her father, a mysterious figure who never speaks of his past. As Estrella grows older, she begins to uncover the secrets of her father's past and discovers that he was once a political prisoner in Franco's Spain.
The film is beautifully shot and captures the atmosphere of rural Spain in the 1950s perfectly. The cinematography is stunning, with long shots of the countryside and close-ups of Estrella's face as she discovers more about her father's past. The score is also excellent, with haunting melodies that add to the atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
The performances are all excellent, particularly Omero Antonutti as Estrella's father. He conveys a sense of sadness and regret without ever saying a word, which adds to the mystery surrounding his character. Sonsoles Aranguren also gives an impressive performance as Estrella's mother, conveying both strength and vulnerability as she struggles to protect her daughter from her husband's secrets.
El Sur is an emotionally powerful film that explores themes such as family secrets, repression under Franco's regime, and coming-of-age in rural Spain during this period. It is an incredibly moving story that will stay with you long after you have seen it. Highly recommended!