Errementari: Der Schmied und der Teufel

A few days ago I stumbled across this film, I expected nothing but it looked interesting and so I gave it a watch. What I got was a well told Basque folktale, that whilst not impressive acting or some visuals (although for such a small budget, even though goofy, the practical effects are really well done) but impressed me is how unique the story is. You get a sense of morality vs religion, which was especially important In the 19th Century of where this film is set. All in all, its a very entertaining movie, you get an interesting story that gives some damn good Horror Fantasy elements that were often gripping.

The thing is, the movie is interesting, especially if you're interested in mythology or movies like the Witch (2016) or Pan's Labyrinth. Whilst not as good as those two, especially in the acting at points, I was definitely entertained. Good movie to watch during the lead up to Halloween. It may not be a film that needs in-depth analysis, I'm not going to spoil anything because that would ruin the experience for you but give it a watch. I was personally mixed on the film, I enjoyed it a lot but some elements were underwhelming. Looking for a foreign folk tale, this movie is probably for you, it'd recommend it, there's some great vision here, come in with an open mind and you won't be disappointed.

What a great find I stumbled on. So refreshing to watch a film, which does not have to rely on big budgets and flashy special effects. Simply a great piece of story-telling, like watching a live theatre show.

Saying this is my first Basque movie probably lacks impact since there are so few of them, but if this is what to expect from them then sign me up for more.

Yet another Netflix original it tells the story of a reclusive blacksmith who imprisons the demon he deems responsible for much of his misery.

It is arguably a dark fairytale, it looks the part, it sounds the part and the cast are fantastic. I had no idea what to expect going in but am certainly happy that I ended up giving it a chance.

It's very hard to categorize Errementari as it has fantasy roots but plays out much like a horror. It's grim, it's dark, its pretty unforgiving yet it has its heart in the right place and doesn't lose atmosphere in favor of needless impact. It has themes with religion, sacrifice and loss, which makes it even more fascinating and relatable.

It had me gripped early, partially because there simply isn't enough of this type of movie out there. It's deep, it's rich and I really enjoyed it. Sure it's not without its flaws, but nothing can take away from it's originality and overwhelming charm.

Good job!

The Good:

Looks great

Truly stands out from everything else on Netflix

The Bad:

Certain things are ridiculous and unexplained

Should have been a tad longer

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

Thin twigs don't make for the most intimidating weapons

Dolls are immortal and cannot be killed by mere decapitation

We need more movies like this!

Devilishly entertaining and fun terror and touches of black comedy about a kid and a blacksmith who become involved in terrible situations. As a Blacksmith : Kandido Uranga has captured a nasty demon, but things go wrong when a little girl , without knowing his badness , releases him . Then , the Blacksmith is chased by the townfolk , and he finds himself at the end of a lynch mob that have come searching for the missing child . Not all tales always have a happy ending.

Errementari or El Herrero or Blacksmith is a retelling of an old fable about a Blacksmith who finds himself battling the Devil as well as saving a little girl from inferno. It contains fabulous effects specials, attractive production design, impressive make-up and wonderful, iconography from inferno , in fact, demons and other horrible figures are taken from Medieval paintings , frescoes , legends and old films as Haxan by Benjamin Christensen. The film is spoken in Basque language but due to its surprising great hit has been dubbed to a lot of languages to export all around the World . All cast give nice acting , however , being unknown , exception for Kandido Uranga who has starred various films , usually as a secondary and a brief role by Itziar Ituño , formerly the participation in Money Heist or La Casa De Papel.

It packs a colorful and sinister cinematography by Gorka Gómez Andreu. Being shot on location in various gorgeous woods from Basque Country as El Pobal , Ubide, Bizkaia, Agorregi, Vitoria-Gasteiz . The motion picture was competently directed by Paul Urkijo Alijo at his first one . It won several prizes and nominations such as : Winner Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival to Artistuc contribution : Paul Urkijo. Grossman Fantastic Film and Wine Festival winner Best Film . San Sebastián Horror y Fantasy Film Festival Winner Best Feature . Goya Awards 20109 Nominee Best Specual Effects : Jon Serrano, David Heras .Motelx Festival International Lisboa de Cinema Terror Nominee Best European Feature Film Award, among others.

Another reviewer labeled this as a "Dark Fantasy", and that is simply spot on! It's not really a true horror movie; almost more a morality play based on Basque folklore, and is scary in a proper "Grimm's Fairy Tales" sort of way. If you're familiar with the movie "Legend"(1985 w/Tom Cruise), this movie should be next to it on your shelf... or I guess these days in the same folder on your computer/tablet.

As to viewing options, and some of the complaints about the acting, I'll say this: the English dub is pretty bad(for both dialogue and overall audio), which often over or under sells the actor's delivery. If you are one who can handle subtitles, you're best experience will be listening to the original Basque audio, and the subtitles of your native language.