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Belle Epoque
1992
The sultry Spanish countryside, 1931. The monarchy is ending, and the army and church reign supreme over Spanish life. In this tumultuous world, a young soldier Fernando (Jorge Sanz), decides to desert the army in hopes of finding a more pleasant way to live and seeks refuge on the farm of widowed Manolo. When the farmer's four .. Read more
| Starring | Miriam Diaz-Aroca, Gabino Diego, Jorge Sanz |
|---|---|
| Director | Fernando Trueba |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Romance, World Cinema |
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Belle Epoque
The sultry Spanish countryside, 1931. The monarchy is ending, and the army and church reign supreme over Spanish life. In this tumultuous world, a young soldier Fernando (Jorge Sanz), decides to desert the army in hopes of finding a more pleasant way to live and seeks refuge on the farm of widowed Manolo. When the farmer's four beautiful daughters arrive (including Penelope Cruz), in turn they use their own unique charms to seduce (and instruct!) the handsome, exhausted yet willing young soldier. One particularly memorable tip requires a clean handkerchief! A charming, idyllic period comedy of young love and loving. Academy Award: Best Foreign Film.
| Starring | Miriam Diaz-Aroca, Gabino Diego, Jorge Sanz |
|---|---|
| Director | Fernando Trueba |
| Studio | SECOND SIGHT FILMS LTD. |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 45 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Romance, World Cinema |
| Language | DVD: Spanish |
| Released | DVD: 23 Aug 2004 Production year: 1992 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (4)
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Winner of the best foreign language film Oscar, this charming picture recalls not only a key moment in Spanish history, at the dawning of the short-lived Republic, but also a golden age in film-making when romantic comedies were about innocence, discovery and love — and not gymnastic lust. Director Fernando Trueba claims his only mentor is Billy Wilder, but there is more than a touch of Buñuel about the opening sequences and the down-to-earth-with-a-bump finale. Although the romantic entanglements involving army deserter Jorge Sanz and the four bewitching sisters hold centre stage, the film is stolen by Fernando Fernan Gomez as their anarchist artist father.
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A leisurely, enjoyable film of the past, as seen through rose-coloured spectacles; it is inoffensive and amusing without being particularly memorable.
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Most helpful member's review
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26 out of 38 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Only watched opening scenes.
Sorry - this was the third film we tried tonight - 1 damaged and 1 we didn't like. So, by the time we got round to this one, we weren't really in a mood for dark opening scenes and Buñuel type dialogue and action. Reading the reviews I guess we may have missed a masterpiece but maybe at a different time in a different atmosphere it woud have been worth sticking at. Sorry to all those film buffs who thought it was 5 star material.
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Most recent members' review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Sustained Gentle Grin
Contrary to the impression, you'd get from the billing of the names, and the front cover of the film, this film is not a 'Penelope Cruz vehicle'. Instead, it is a good ensemble piece.
The feel of the countryside is a bit like 'Manon des Sources', but the film is more up-beat, and has a nice light touch. Great film. -
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The sultry Spanish countryside, 1931. The monarchy is ending, and the army and church reign supreme over Spanish life. In this tumultuous world, a young soldier Fernando (Jorge Sanz), decides to ... -