Ogro (1979)
"Operación Ogro" (original title)

As 1973 winds down, Franco is still governing Spain with an iron hand. Opposition parties are forbidden; labor movements are repressed; and Basque nationalists are mercilessly hunted down. ... See full summary »

Director:

Gillo Pontecorvo

Writers:

Julen Aguirre (book), Giorgio Arlorio,

Stars:

Gian Maria Volonté, José Sacristán, Ángela Molina

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gian Maria Volonté	...	Izarra
José Sacristán	...	Iker
Ángela Molina	...	Amaiur
Eusebio Poncela	...	Txabi
Saverio Marconi	...	Luque
Georges Staquet	...	El Albañil
Nicole Garcia	...	Karmele
Féodor Atkine	...	José María Uriarte (alias Yoseba) (as Fedor Atkine)
Estanis González	...	Portero
Agapito Romo	...	Carrero Blanco
José Manuel Cervino	...	Lechero
José Luis Pérez
Luis Politti	...	Profesor (as Luis Politi)
Agustín Navarro
Fernando Chinarro	...	Cirujano

Storyline

As 1973 winds down, Franco is still governing Spain with an iron hand. Opposition parties are forbidden; labor movements are repressed; and Basque nationalists are mercilessly hunted down. The caudillo is aging, though, and the continuity of the régime is in question. One man has the trust of Franco, enough authority and experience to assume the leadership, and an impeccable track record as to dealing with enemies of the State: admiral Carrero Blanco. For the embattled clandestine Basque organization ETA, Carrero Blanco must be brought down. Daring plans are made, requiring a meticulous execution...

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Plot Keywords:

terrorism | fascism | revolution

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Genres:

History | Thriller

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Details

Country:

Spain France Italy

Language:

Spanish French Italian

Release Date:

28 September 1979 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Operation Ogre

Filming Locations:

Bilbao, Vizcaya, País Vasco, Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

Action Film, Sabre Films, Vides Cinematografica

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Italian, Spanish and French actors all spoke in their own language, then were dubbed into the same language for each country.

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Quotes

Xavi: How many deaths in total?
Izarra: Just Carrero's bodyguard.
Xavi: You sure we can't save that poor guy?
Izarra: What do you mean?
Xavi: I mean, it'll be a massacre, we we'll have to shoot like madmen. A lot of people will die, including the innocent, including ourselves. And ETA will be politically destroyed by this massacre. And forget about freeing the 150 comrades.
Izarra: Listen to me, Xavi. Two things. If you're trying to argue about the kidnapping, then you're wasting time because we've voted. Or maybe... you some criticism...

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Connections

Featured in Special Collector's Edition: Operación Ogro (2012)

User Reviews

Dark political thriller

This film is based on real life events that took place during 70's under Francos fascist regime in Spain.

Just like Gillo Pontecorvos previous film La battaglia di Algeri/The Battle of Algiers (1966) this film has very realistic, semi documentary feel, look about this depiction of terrorism acted out by group of members in the basque terrorist network ETA.

Even though Gillo Pontecorvo was a marxist this film does not only portray the fascist dictatorship but also contains subtle criticism against ETA and its struggle.

While being a very low key film, it packs very emotional, punch without becoming too obvious.

So viewers that liked O Que É Isso, Companheiro?/Four Days in September (1997), L'armée des ombres/ Army of Shadows(1969), Popiól i diament/Ashes and Diamonds (1958), Kanal/Canal (1957)etc should definitely check this film out.