Solas (1999)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Benito Zambrano

Writer:

Benito Zambrano (written by)

Release Date:

5 March 1999 (Spain)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Maria, whose parents live in the country, cannot stand her father's authoritarian ways and moves to the city...

Plot Keywords:

Neighbor | Husband Wife Relationship | Spain | Surgery | Urban

Awards:

38 wins & 14 nominations

Cast

María Galiana	...	Madre
Ana Fernández	...	María
Carlos Álvarez-Nóvoa	...	Vecino
Antonio Dechent	...	Médico (as Antonio Pérez Dechent)
Paco De Osca	...	Padre (as Paco de Osca)
Juan Fernández	...	Juan
Miguel Alcíbar	...	El Gordo
Pilar Sánchez	...	Limpiadora 1
Concha Galán	...	Limpiadora 2
Paco Tous	...	Socio de Juan
Rosario Lara	...	Jefa de Limpieza
Pepa Faraco	...	Cajera
Estrella Távora	...	Enfermera
José Manuel Seda	...	Vigilante
Magdalena Barbero	...	Mujer del Enfermo

Also Known As:

Alone (Canada: English title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and sexual content.

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

Spain

Language:

Spanish

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | Denmark:15 | Finland:K-10 | France:U | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIA | Spain:7 | Sweden:7 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Zurich) | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Carmona, Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain

Company:

Maestranza Films

Soundtrack:

Woman

Excellent drama, undeservedly overlooked

Unfortunately rather overlooked as this film came out the same year as Almodóvar's 'Todo Sobre mi Madre' which went on to reach fame and glory. However, if you liked Almodóvar's excellent drama you will also like 'Solas'. The two films have certain similarities inasmuch that also in 'Solas' the accent is very much on strong characterisation, profound human feelings, though perhaps a little less intense here than in Almodóvar's film.

Ana Fernández is magnificent, playing just right the rather confused, unlucky thirty-five year old young woman a bit given to alcohol, not overplaying her part; María Galiana as her mother shows even at her age that she has come from good theatre, as no less does Carlos Álvarez-Novoa as the lonely neighbour. Benito Zembrano - as Almodóvar - , not only directs his film but is also responsible for the script, which is truly magnificent, especially taking into account certain Andalucian styles of speech. The Andalucian accent may at times cause a bit of a problem if you know Spanish a fair amount and watch this film without any subtitles. Try it, anyway: it is well worth the effort.

An excellent piece of drama which certainly deserves more recognition than it has got. Curiously both films end with a remarkably similar dedication at the end: 'A mi madre; a todas las madres' - To my mother; To all mothers.