Belle époque

The plot, this is a movie about a straggler that is taken in by a local Spanish elder who happens to have 4 very beautiful and very single daughters. In the next hour, the straggler ends up having relations with all four daughters. The side story of the Spanish civil war and the relationship between the 4 sisters and their parents is simple background to the main plot of sexual desire and the tension that becomes to obvious to hide. A beautiful cast of people, the ending is somewhat sad, but true. A nice film, and surprisingly, no nudity? Still, it is a nice "sexy" film.

Belle Epoque has many layers. At it's core is a romance which is surrounded and disguised by a classic sex farce that is itself enveloped by a philosophical tale all wrapped up in a bittersweet historical setting. Spain is, as throughout it's history, in a political struggle. In this case, a battle between the dying monarchy and the emergent republic which is,as these things go, a mild one leaving most Spaniards to enjoy their lives during this "Belle Epoque". Those familiar with it's history know that this is the short calm before the storm of the Spanish Civil War in which the Republic is replaced by the Fascist dictatorship of Franco through a bloody war. My favorite setpiece is the dance where Violeta wears Fernando's uniform and dresses him in a ball gown and wig; the rest must be seen to be believed! A lovely film! And why the devil isn't it on DVD!?

"Belle Epoque" is a light-hearted comedy romp which tells of the goings-on at a Spanish villa (circa 1931) involving a patriarch, his four beautiful and amorous daughters, and a wayward young man who can't say "no". Fanciful, warm, fun, and sexy, this Oscar winning film flows like honey as it aims for the heart, not the crotch or head, and hits the mark. Most likely to be appreciated by more seasoned viewers with an interest in Europics. (A-)

Note - This film has considerable dialogue making for significant subtitle reading for non-Spanish speakers.

Belle Epoque is a light, wistful romantic comedy, easy to watch, and easier to love. It is set in glorious pre-Franco Spain and is as beautifully filmed as it is written and acted.

The story entails (in a nutshell) a young army deserter who befriends an older man who is an artist and a self-proclaimed anarchist. The old man has four beautiful daughters and film carries you along as our young hero falls in love with each in order.

Belle Epoque is one of those rare gems that does not stray from its purpose - to be a celebration of love and romance and comic tale of a young soldier controlled by his libido. No violence, car chase scenes, drippy pre-packaged morality plays - just plain fun.

If you have not tried watching a sub-titled movie or have had little exposure to foreign films, start here. Belle Epoque is the best film I have seen out of Spain and an all-time personal favourite.

***1/2 out of ****.

Fernando Trueba's enchanting 'Belle Epoque' is a delightful little 'folktale' that is lyrical, sensual, hilarious, whimsical and human. Azcona's cleverly written screenplay is rich with wit, sarcasm and history. In addition to that the film also looks beautiful and authentic (compared to the overload of glossy look in a majority of films).

Set in a country farm, it tells the story of a young soldier (Jorge Sanz), a deserter, who escapes and finds solace at Manolo's (Fernando Fernán Gómez) house where he falls for his four daughters, the widow (Miriam Díaz-Aroca), the lesbian (Ariadna Gil), the belle (Maribel Verdú) and the virgin (Penélope Cruz). On the surface the story sounds may sound odd but it's splendidly quirky. It successfully avoids the 'cliches' that are so evident in many European films that make it to the so-called international platform begging for a best foreign language Oscar (even though 'Belle Epoque' won it in 1993).

The storytelling here, for one, feels very natural and not one scene looks forced. The editing smoothens things finely and the score is first rate as it gives 'Belle Epoque' that final whimsical touch.

All the actors do a superb job. Fernando Fernán Gómez is very likable as the patron of the family. Miriam Díaz-Aroca, Ariadna Gil, Maribel Verdú and Penélope Cruz are excellent as the stunning looking daughters. Jorge Sanz is great as the naive hero and Gabino Diego provides wonderful comic relief.

In the end, 'Belle Epoque' is a delicious combination of humour, music, sex, romance, self-discovery and adventure, a celebration of life itself.