Mararía

Rich cinematography, the customs of 1940 s era (and possibly still today's) outing islands in the Canary chain. Lust, and provincial prejudices produce a highly watchable, and enjoyable film that is more than just a love story.

"Mararía" really disappointed me. I can't consider it as a bad movie, but the development just seemed too rushed and non-believable for it to evoke any emotions. Dr. Fermín displays some unprecedented bizarre behaviour out of a passion that one can't really understand where it was born from. I mean, how many times does he ever have a conversation with Mararía?? Maybe once? Also, Mararía never appeared to be a real character, instead more like a film stereotype that just needed to be in the movie (...or else another title was needed?). Some of the best acting came from a role that wasn't really important to the story, that of Marcial, the sub-intelligent yet humble drunkard. Of course, the scenery, the cultural tidbits of the Canary Islands, and other "wow" moments were interesting, but the movie fell short of a documentary (in case this was its real intention), and most importantly, as a solid drama.

In general, this is an excellent film that reflects with great detail the time in which action develops (50's). Costumes, ambientation, and over all, a wonderful photography (the best of the film) gives you a clear idea of life in Lanzarote in that years. If you have read the book, don't expect an exact transliteration. New characters and situations are included, and the end in particular have a great change (personally, I prefer the book one). Anyway, its worth seeing it. A nice passions history with a great ambientation.

This Spanish picture is an enjoyable story with an interesting characterizing about a few characters , tragic drama and colorful outdoors . Based on a novel by Rafael Arozarena who used his native Islas Canarias background to write an overblown tragic drama novel , being screen-written by the same filmmaker Antonio Jose Betancort . Located in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain , there arrives a new Basque Doctor (Carmelo Gomez) who falls in love with gorgeous 'Mararía' (Goya Toledo) , fostered daughter to witch Herminia (Mirta Ibarra) . Later on , there arrives by plane an English volcano expert (Iain Glen) and Mararia becomes pregnant , turning the young medic exceedingly jealous.

The film contains human drama , passion , emotion , tragical events , Canarian habits , complemented with a loving triangle . These elements provide the setting for this piece of dramatic deeds , giving it its own special quality and ambient . In addition , there are brief exploration about Canarias native way of life with their rites , customs , ceremonies , superstitions and mythologies . Being wonderfully filmed on location in Lanzarote and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands , Spain . Top-notch protagonist trio , Carmelo Gomez-Goya Toledo-Iain Glenn , all of them give fine acting . The storyline relies heavily on the continued relationship among them but it doesn't make boring , however the film is slow moving . Goya Toledo is marvelous and charming with her sweet and enjoyable countenance . Good support cast formed by a plethora of notorious Spanish actors , such as Mirta Ibarra as Herminia , José Manuel Cervino as Marcial , Manuel Manquiña as Geito , Francisco Casares as D. Leandro and Antonio Dechent as Lazaro . Colorful and evocative cinematography by Juan Ruiz Anchia who has been making a prestigious career in Hollywood , such as Close range , House of game and River runs black , here he shows splendidly the impressive landscapes . Sensitive and emotive soundtrack by the musician and singer Pedro Guerra , including catching songs . The film was deservedly winner three Goya Awards , including best cinematography and best new actress , Goya Toledo . The motion picture was well directed by Antonio Jose Betancort (1942-2006) who was born and died in Tenerife , Islas Canarias . He was a good filmmaker , little prolific , he only directed ¨Valentina¨ with Anthony Quinn , its following ¨1919 Cronica Del Alba¨ and TV episodes for series as ¨Juglar y Reina¨ and ¨Paisaje Con Figuras¨ . Rating : 7 , better than average , worthwhile watching .

Set in the Canary Islands the location commands our immediate attention. The rough terrain is of volcanic origin and hot spots among the rocks can ignite a bundle of furze in a matter of seconds. We see that plants are nourished in nest-like excavations and down by the sea there is a network of saltlakes. To add to the unique atmosphere we see camels being used as a mode of transport. A strange place indeed! And what of the inhabitants? In such an isolated place it is understandable they seem somewhat bored with life. There is the pub of course and the adjacent dance hall....but not much else. They seem to be a superstitious lot believing that the ghosts of the dead can reappear from the sea.

Into this scene comes the rather quiet and conservative Fermin (Carmelo Gonzalez) a doctor to whom Mararia becomes instantly attracted. Not long afterwards an English vulcanologist (Iain Glen) arrives to survey the volcanic surroundings.

Following a rather quiet beginning, the film now takes on a sense of real drama. Beautiful Mararia discovers she is pregnant and on her wedding day it seems that her would-be husband the vulcanologist has disappeared with all his instruments. Now it is time to rid the house of all its evil spirits so Mararia's godmother gets busy weaving her magic spells.

When in years later Mararia's beautiful young child disappears it is just too much for Mararia to bear.

The film then races to a dramatic climax down by the sea. If you believe that the ghosts of the dead will rise up from the sea, think again. The ending is both tragic and unforgettable.