Belle epoque (1992)

In 1931, a young soldier (Fernando) deserts from the army and falls into a country farm, where he is welcomed by the owner (Manolo) due to his political ideas. Manolo has four daughters (... See full summary »

Director:

Fernando Trueba

Writers:

Rafael Azcona (screenplay), Rafael Azcona (story),

Stars:

Penélope Cruz, Miriam Díaz-Aroca, Fernando Fernán Gómez

Won 1 Oscar. Another 24 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Penélope Cruz	...	Luz
Miriam Díaz-Aroca	...	Clara
Gabino Diego	...	Juanito
Fernando Fernán Gómez	...	Manolo
Michel Galabru	...	Danglard
Ariadna Gil	...	Violeta
Agustín González	...	Don Luis
Chus Lampreave	...	Doña Asun
Mary Carmen Ramírez	...	Amalia
Jorge Sanz	...	Fernando
Maribel Verdú	...	Rocío
Juan José Otegui	...	El cabo
Jesús Bonilla	...	Soldier (El número)
María Galiana	...	La Polonia
Joan Potau	...	Paco (as Juan Potau)

Storyline

In 1931, a young soldier (Fernando) deserts from the army and falls into a country farm, where he is welcomed by the owner (Manolo) due to his political ideas. Manolo has four daughters (Rocio, Violeta, Clara and Luz). Fernando likes all of them and they like him, so he has to decide which one to love.

---

Plot Keywords:

soldier | love | village | spanish | sexton | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and language

Details

Country:

Spain Portugal

Language:

Spanish French

Release Date:

25 February 1994 (USA)

Also Known As:

Belle Epoque - A Bela Época

Filming Locations:

Arruda dos vinhos, Lisbon, Portugal

Box Office

Gross:

ESP 849,853,303 (Spain)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Animatógrafo, Fernando Trueba Producciones Cinematográficas, Lolafilms

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Juanito comes to serenade Rocìo, he sings "Las Mañanitas" which in México is used to celebrate a birthday instead of the classic "Happy Birthday To You".

---

Goofs

Amalia sings "En un pais de fábula" from Pablo Sorozábal's zarzuela "La tabernera del puerto". The situation of the movie is in early 1930s, whereas this zarzuela was first staged in 1936.

---

Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Guarding Tess/Lightning Jack/The Hudsucker Proxy/The Ref/Belle Epoque/Germinal (1994)

User Reviews

¿Como éstos, Señor Juanito?

I picked up this movie just because the branch of Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) near my workplace had it. And what a delight it was!

Now let me be honest: I was attracted to the movie the moment I saw Maribel Verdú (Rocío) in it. I remember her (and more so, her ample breasts, though perhaps augmented with silicone!) from y Tu Mama Tambien. Unfortunately for me, she never showed her breasts (though I could be certain that she stuffed silicone after this movie was made), this movie turned out to be very entertaining. Penelope Cruz, who spoke English like a horse (would do) in "Vanilla Sky" (one of the very few movies in my life that I could not finish, not even halfway), was innocent, fresh, beautiful, likable and very natural in this movie.

This movie also proved that Gabo's description of Serenade in his books is not at all exaggerated.

However, the greatest performance was by Juanito (Gabino Diego). I was blown by the scene where he goes to the church to renounce his faith, and then when he decides to retain his faith, having denied "republican" free love. It was hilarious! Great entertainment!!!