Don't Be Afraid (2011)
"No tengas miedo" (original title)

Director:

Montxo Armendáriz

Writers:

Montxo Armendáriz (story), Montxo Armendáriz,

Stars:

Lluís Homar, Belén Rueda, Núria Gago

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lluís Homar	...	Padre
Belén Rueda	...	Madre (as Belen Rueda)
Núria Gago	...	Maite (as Nuria Gago)
Cristina Plazas	...	Psicóloga
Rubén Ochandiano	...	Toni
Javier Pereira	...	Víctor
Iranzu Erro	...	Silvia 14 años
Ainhoa Quintana	...	Maite 14 años
Irene Cervantes	...	Silvia 7 años
Michelle Jenner	...	Silvia
Maider Salas	...	Maite 7 años
Tomás del Estal	...	Testimonio Miguel
Ainhoa Cantero	...	Testimonio Ángela
Adelfa Calvo	...	Testimonio Ester
Ramon Pujol	...	Testimonio Rafa (as Ramón Pujol)

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

pederasty | father daughter abuse | compulsive gambler | laboratory | child sex abuse | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official [es]

Country:

Spain

Language:

Spanish

Release Date:

29 April 2011 (Spain)

Also Known As:

Don't Be Afraid

Filming Locations:

Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

Audiovisual Aval SGR, Ayuntamiento de Pamplona, Canal+ España

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #2.22 (2011)

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Soundtracks

"My Home Is Empty Without You"
Written by 'Herman Dune' and
Performed by 'Herman Dune'

User Reviews

The Right To Be Afraid...

In 'No Tengas Miedo' (Don't Be Afraid), Montxo Armendáriz tells a disturbing story of child sexual abuse through the perspective of a young survivor Silvia who was molested and raped from the age of 7. The storytelling is quite simplistic and subtle. Armendáriz does not go over the top in conveying what he wants to stress. He successfully avoids the use of clichés. The film itself has a poetic feel but that of a sad poem. The characterization is well done. I wonder how much of the film is based on one's experience as it felt very real.

The execution is thankfully simple. The director uses of images one can relate to on a daily basis. The cinematography is solid and the quiet score is well-fitting. There are no graphic images but the suggestive rape sequences themselves are chilling and difficult to watch. The sequences that follow a confused and tormented Silvia are handled with élan.

Another highlight are the performances. Lluís Homar's detestable Padre is revolting. His portrayal sends a chill down the spine for that is how a majority of child molesters are: liked and respected by friends and colleagues while behind closed door they commit their disgusting deeds. Belén Rueda's Madre couldn't have been an easy role to play but obviously Rueda can pull it off. Her Madre too is a despicable for not only turning a blind eye but to abandon her daughter, leaving her all alone with a monster knowing what was happening. Michelle Jenner is remarkable in her impressive portrayal of the quietly suffering Silvia. They are supported by an excellent team of actors.

I didn't know very much about the film before deciding on it. I was under the impression that it was a thriller of some kind and what I ended up with was an intense human drama told effectively by Montxo Armendáriz. In the end, 'No Tengas Miedo' is a sensible story of hope and survival.