La isla mínima

What a satisfying movie this was. I love hardcore crimers and this is a great example of its genre. It shows just how corrupted the authorities really were in the 1980's rural Spain without losing touch with its relatively complex plot.

The setup is familiar; two city detectives investigate a series of killings in provincial Spain. I wouldn't know where exactly this area is, but I'm guessing it's the marshlands in Andalucia (my bad if I missed any other detail, I was excited to see the movie so I might have overlooked something). Anyway, it all gets very much complicated as the investigation moves forward and more people are implicated in the case. I'm not going to spoil anything, but be warned that this is not just your usual straightforward murder mystery, as it is also a detailed look into a country shaken by political instability and corruption within the authorities. That said, there are some obvious similarities with other crime-thrillers like Memories of Murder or Red Riding (which I both heartily recommend), or TV shows like True Detective (although I'm not sure about this since I haven't started following TD yet).

The acting is more than solid, especially good are the two main leads. Pedro's character was more likable than Juan's, partially because he despises Franco's regime and its legacy, while Juan didn't seem to care much about that. His share of problems stems from some ugly acts in the past and that is reflected in his often violent work methods. Yet, there is no denying both actors did a splendid job and had no problem dealing with their roles' demands. An interesting bit are a couple of symbol-heavy scenes that include Juan and a bird seemingly staring at each other; one might ramble that the bird represents a new era for the country, a fresh beginning if you like (as it can fly away anytime it wants), while Juan is a man tormented by a violent past he can't escape.

But what I really delighted in was the exceptional cinematography. The movie looks fantastic and every detail is captured in beautifully placed shots. The marshlands are bathed in vivid colors, especially during the sunset. Camera-work is top-notch; I guess mr. Catalan really knows what he is doing. Thankfully, he was also rewarded for his work.

In short, this is a dark, expertly paced thriller that remains ambiguous even after the satisfying conclusion. Definitely recommended if you're into movies like this.

The difference between a good crime thriller and an average one, is often the setting. In the case of 'La Isla Minima', the surroundings are as important as the plot. The story takes place in a remote part of Spain, an area of treeless plains, lonely marshlands and wide rivers. The inhabitants of the isolated villages are suspicious of outsiders. In this hostile environment, two policemen try to solve the murder of two teenage sisters. Slowly but determinedly, they gather clues and try to squeeze information out of the uncooperative villagers.

Apart from the scenery, the film is also interesting because of the political situation underpinning the story. The film takes place in 1980, when Spain is in the process of becoming a democracy after being ruled for decades by the dictator Franco. One of the policemen, a former officer in Franco's special forces, still holds on to the old fashioned way of using violence to get things done. The other, a much younger man who embraces the new democracy, has a very different style.

The film is beautifully shot, with some remarkable aerial footage. It's nice to see that Spanish cinema has more to offer than Almodovar.

2014 is being a fantastic year for Spanish movies. Critics and viewers are supporting made in Spain movies that are shown month by month. La isla mínima is a very remarkable film whose highlights are the plot, the narrative structure, the characters, the beautiful locations, the way that information is given to the viewers, and the rain that falls and envelopes everything around a small southern village in the late 80s. Leading role Javier Gutierrez has been awarded as best actor in San Sebastian film festival, but my favorite one is Raul Arevalo, his disturbing look to everybody, and how he tries to introduce different investigation procedures and different ways of thinking in a society that is still stuck in the past. Highly recommended.

Rodriguez's movie set in the Guadalquivir marshland and rural Sevilla when Spain's democracy was at its infancy is poetic and artistic, yet if flows fluidly. Its 10 awards -including Best Photography- at the Goya 2015 edition are well deserved, and it establishes Alberto Rodríguez as a director to look out for. Gutierrez's (Juan) and Arevalo's (Pedro) interpretations are powerful and convincing. Juan is an ambiguous and complex character, though I found certain aspects of his personality and biography (or rather, their combination) a bit artificial. The gist of the plot reminded me of a famous crime which took place in a Valencia village in the early 90s, but I doubt that was Rodriguez's and Cobo's intention. Apparently they wrote the script some 10 years ago, but only recently they thought of setting the action in the early 80s (from what I gathered, before the attempted coup and the socialists' victory). Although I would have preferred the end to shed a bit more light on a couple of things, this thriller is gripping, well-structured, well-interpreted (kudos also to Nerea Barros) and entertaining throughout. Excellent music and photography, too.

Marshland is slow burn, albeit entertaining and intriguing police procedural that takes place in a rural Spain during 1980. In addition to this police investigation we have an interesting character study, as we get to know the two detectives Pedro and Juan. The photography in particular is splendid. There was something very trance like feel in this movie, especially the weather n the locations. The music too was good. I enjoyed true detective the mini series. Marshland comes very close to true detective. Also while watching this film, memories of murder came to my mind. The Superb photography, memorable acting, music that asks questions, simmering political undertones. The cinematography was excellent. Certain scenes looked like painting. I highly recommend this to fans of true detective, memories of murder, prisoners and the abandoned (2006).