Spanish film
1970-2000; the ten Spanish films you need to watch
It may not have the big blockbuster names of Hollywood, but Spain has undeniably produced some classic cinema of its own. You’re probably familiar with the recent international success of Volver and Pan’s Labyrinth, but those are just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a selection of some of the best of the Spanish silver screen over the past few decades…
- Jamon Jamon
(Bigas Luna 1992)
Penelope Cruz stars in Luna’s dark comedy about a bizarre love triangle and death by salted pork products.
- El Espíritu de la Colmena
‘The Spirit of the Beehive’, Erice’s powerful comment of the futility and destruction of the Spanish Civil War, is perhaps most notable because of the performance of six-year-old Ana Torrent.
- El Perro del hortelano
Miró’s reworking of a Lope de Vega play won seven Goyas.
- Los Santos Inocentes
Peasant abuse in 1960s Spain from a master of social realism.
- ¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto?
The first real work of Almodóvar genius was a dark, druggy comedy.
- Amantes
The Barcelona School old boy scored a huge hit with a titillating love triangle flick.
- Belle Epoque
A period love story that alerted the world to the new potential of Spanish cinema.
- La Ardilla roja
Amnesia-related brilliance from the premier Basque film-maker.
- Flamenco
Revealing flamenco documentary from the old fox of Spanish cinema.
- El Día de la bestia
Highbrow it ain’t, but the Spanish go mad for Iglesia’s mix of humour and horror.
