Clandestinos

"Clandestinos" is a very different and extremely cool film that combines the theme of terrorism with a very odd love story. Three boys escape from a youth prison in Spain, and head for the city of Madrid. Xabi and Joel, both Spanish, and an Arabic boy named Driss, quickly meet up with some eccentric people on the road. Joel, and the very cute and lovable Driss have no trouble hooking up with a couple girls that don't at all mind if the two handsome guys stay with them. The quietly intense Xabi, however, is dealing with some darker demons, and his personal reason for escaping the prison soon becomes apparent. It seems that an older man involved in an extremist left-wing group has influenced the impressionable Xabi, and now the boy is out to impress his much-older lover. "Clandestinos" deals with a very unique kind of love relationship. Xabi sees in his older lover, a kind of father figure. Many who see this special film might wonder why a young and healthy guy like Xabi would be so in love with a man more than twice his age, but it is easy to see that Xabi seeks a kind of approval that one might seek from his father. The love between the terrorist and Xabi, and later, between Xabi and the cop, are handled in a very believable way. The acting all around is excellent, and the story never loses it's way for a moment. Produced with a small budget, "Clandestinos" is something that no mainstream Hollywood company would go near. This is real, "renegade" film-making. I'm not sure who the intended audience was here, but this is what makes this one so unique. Not to mention, Xabi, Driss, and Joel are three characters that are difficult to forget. Excellent action/thriller/love story from Spain, made with a lot of style and energy. In fact I can honestly say that "Clandestinos" is the coolest and craziest film i have seen in a while. Terrorism and romance, mixed in with some comic overtones... I don't think there is another film like this one... oh, and Driss? Whenever you get tired of that fatty kitty girlfriend, I am available baby!

This is a curios movie about love, homosexuality and (basque) terrorism. All these issues are treated somehow lightheartedly but still with feelings. I get the vibe of a movie made for young people. I watched it years ago and I enjoyed it but it's probably not for everyone.

Thriller? Drama? No way! This is a quirky, totally unbelievable but totally charming little romantic comedy about an extremely dumb, naive but earnest gay kid who wants to impress his middle-aged terrorist ex-lover by blowing up a flagpole in Madrid, but he gets just about everything wrong.

If you watch this expecting a thriller, you'll be badly disappointed. If you take it seriously AT ALL, you'll be badly disappointed, especially at the end. But if you let Israel Rodriguez's devastatingly sexy and sweet and clueless Xavi get under your skin and work his magic on your imagination you'll have as good a time watching this delightful little movie as I did.

I had seen Rodriguez before only in a short called Doors Cut Down, when he was about 17; it was okay, but not great. Man, has he aged well! The long hair is incendiary, and he's turned from a cute, skinny kid into one of the sexiest men on earth. On top of that, he's smart and he's a great actor. Where are the American actors like him? Answer: There aren't any.

A story well told, easy to follow and that gives a different perspective on controversial topics: immigrants, young offenders, terrorism, homosexuality, pedophilia, male prostitution, marginalization, police corruption etc. It addresses these issues with delicacy and intelligence. Perhaps most striking of these film is the way it is capable of leading the plot for controversial issues, walking in the slums of Madrid, with some sinister characters that are mixed with other more humanized, all a bit like life itself. The film, even when it is notorious its low budget, is very well done and manages to keep watch following it. It's almost perfect from A to Z, except for one last scene over at the end. Highly recommended.

A thriller of sorts that exceeds budgetary restrictions with excellent actors who give earnest portrayals and are also easy on the eyes. The three main actors are comfortable and believable in their roles, ditto the ensemble cast especially the "fatty kitten". The direction maintains an enjoyable pace and the story is not lost in translation. After escaping from a dentition center our three teen miscreants are on the path to survival and for one a quest to prove themselves. the film highlights the usual (but by no means boring) aspects of teen life - peer pressure, individuality and sexuality. An interesting aspect in post 9/11 world is terrorism. The film was watchable and had closure and despite having some questionable pedophilia over tones an admirable and worth a look film.