El abuelo

The acting and cinematography and music are absolutely lovely--first rate all the way. And, in many instances the story is very interesting and engaging. However, at times, I felt I really needed to struggle to keep watching the film, as the characters, in general, are unlikable. The townspeople slowly reveal themselves to be shallow jerks and the grandfather is obviously like this as well, but at least by the end of the film he's more likable and multifaceted. Perhaps the only ones who you feel drawn towards are the cute granddaughters BUT they have such creepy dubbed voices that at first I thought this might be some sort of EXORCIST rip-off. While the older girl's voice isn't as creepy, the younger one sounds exactly like an older woman DUBBING the voice of a young girl. How can they spend so much money and effort to produce such an excellent film and have this creepy cheap-sounding voice? Oh well, it's probably NOT something that will bother every viewer but little things like this really take me out of the moment.

Probably done for a reasonable enough budget, but this film has the look and soul of a big, well-crafted European production.

The script is just filled with nodules of truth wrapped up in old world philosophy, that play out before the viewer's eye. This is a long film so make sure that you have the time and mental alertness to make the journey - but for the patient, the investment is worth it.

The cast is filled with capable players: the leads are exceptional latin character actors, they are surrounded by the others which are more often than not caricatures who actually focus the reality of the story around the serious players.

The cinematography is magnificent.

This is a period piece bringing together some of the greatest writers, directors, and actors of the Spanish theater.

Benito Pérez Galdós' novel was first made into film in 1925, five years after his death. Galdos has written many works that have made it to film, and the fact that one is redone is testament to his writing skill.

José Luis Garci is one of Spain's greatest writers and directors, and has many shelves full of awards to prove it.

Fernando Fernán Gómez, who plays the lead in this film, also has shelves full of awards for his acting (over 200 roles), writing, and directing skills. He plays a man who returns from Peru determined to find his rightful heir between the daughters of his philandering daughter-in-law (Cayetana Guillén Cuervo).

This is not an easy task as he is broke and his daughter-in-law has the whole town on her side because of the money her husband left her.

The scene where he called them all out was magnificent! The scene where his granddaughter Dolly (Cristina Cruz) laid down the law was breathtaking.

This was a beautiful film that my poor words cannot even begin to describe.

Among the many strengths of this movie: excellent dialogues-better if you understand Spanish-, superb acting even by children, touching and comic -not corny- story, magnificent landscapes and atmospheres. Definitively, an intelligent movie with a big heart.

Or does one have to? The matter is posed to an old man (El Abuelo aka the Grandfather) returning penniless from intrigues abroad to the village where he was once a respected aristocrat. In search of the truth about his two beautiful granddaughters, the sometimes bitter, sometimes sweet old man is met with insincerity and chicanery.

Some may view the film as plodding and uneventful. However, those with an understanding of the importance family honor to an old world aristocrat or the meaning of love to a disenfranchised old man will likely be captivated by its subtle charms. The old Spanish architecture, pastoral beauty, and sumptuous cinematography should appeal to all.