2006, UK
Biography, Crime, Drama, History
Manuel Huerga's film of political unrest opens with scenes of great world revolutions and their revolutionaries, from Hiroshima to Martin Luther King. As history has shown that great change resulted from these unpleasant periods, it becomes apparent that the true story about to unfold will be both violent and groundbreaking.
Under the regime of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, the country had split between government supporters and those who dared to fight the injustices enforced by his command. By the early 1970s, student revolts had become violent, and underground anarchists began to organize. Young Salvador Puig Antich became educated through forbidden literature and passionate discussion with fellow students. Eventually they would form the Movimiento Ibérico de Liberación (MIL) to battle the crooked cops and cruel discrimination of the common laborer.
When the boys first decide to become modern day Robin Hoods by robbing from government banks in order feed their social movement, the film follows their actions with a pumped up rock soundtrack and video montage. They are enthusiastic and careless, refusing to wear masks and giggling through robberies, until an inevitable accident occurs. Forced to provide more attention towards their goal for a society without classes, the mood of the film alters from reckless and youthful to focused and dangerous.
The crimes of the government are somewhat vague, though their brutal attacks on protesters are evident. In turn, the injustices upon the workers are apparent only in that they may not speak their native Catalan or demonstrate their cultural heritage. Viewing of this film is best if the audience is familiar with Spain's political history, though it also provides motivation to become educated about these horrendous years.
As the MIL's actions become more severe and a policeman is harmed, group members are imprisoned. The film then becomes solely focused on Puig Antich and the pain caused to his family and friends. Catalan Daniel Brühl (Joyeux Noël, Goodbye Lenin!) does an excellent job of portraying the compassionate dissenter. It is not clear why Puig Antich in particular is more important than the others, aside from his ultimate fate. He appears very brave and continues to communicate his beliefs to those who would quickly punish him, but the others involved in the crime seem similarly honorable. Clarification of his specific actions would have been appreciated.
Similarly in tight focus is the reaction of close associates, while the country's response is barely portrayed. Huerga chooses to create a more intimate atmosphere, pulling away from the larger personality that became revered by the country. The director recognizes the efforts of the group, but does not allow the individual to become larger than life. He has created an important film without letting the story overshadow the man, and in doing so, informs the present generation of the sacrifices made for their benefit.