Nico and Dani (2000)

A Spanish coming of age story focusing on the antics of two 17 year olds, who have a posh beach house almost all to themselves one summer. This is also a summer of sexual awakenings.

Director:

Cesc Gay

Writers:

Tomàs Aragay (as Tomás Aragay), Cesc Gay

Stars:

Fernando Ramallo, Jordi Vilches, Marieta Orozco

12 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Fernando Ramallo	...	Dani
Jordi Vilches	...	Nico
Marieta Orozco	...	Elena
Esther Nubiola	...	Berta
Chisco Amado	...	Julián
Ana Gracia	...	Sonia
Myriam Mézières	...	Marianne
Muntsa Alcañiz	...	Madre Dani
Mingo Ràfols	...	Arturo
Pau Durà	...	Mario
Eduardo González	...	Camarero
Gaelle Poulavec	...	Chica
Jesús Garay	...	Padre Dani
Eloi Yebra	...	Manu
Jordi Sánchez

Storyline

Coming of age, on a Barcelona beach, during an eventful week: Nico arrives at Dani's for part of the summer. Dani's parents are away, Nico is keen to lose his virginity, and Dani, who's been Nico's friend since grammar school, wants time only with Nico. Dani's plans to hunt and fish are waylaid when Nico catches the eye of Elena and her cousin Berta. He wants to go to the beach with the girls, cook them dinner, and make love to at least one of them. Dani wants social and physical contact with Nico. Watching from a short distance are Sonia, Dani's tutor, and Julian, a gay writer, who picks up Dani's vibes. Can Nico and Dani sort out friendship as well as their mixed desires?

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Plot Keywords:

gay | summer | beach | coming of age | writer | 

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Taglines:

This year's most provocative coming-of-age story with a TWIST

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content, some drug use and language - all involving teens

Details

Official Sites:

pprfilm - distributor [UK]

Country:

Spain

Language:

Catalan Spanish English

Release Date:

2 February 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

Nico and Dani

Filming Locations:

Castelldefels, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$16,942, 4 February 2001, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$347,986, 15 July 2001

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canal+ España, Generalitat de Catalunya - Departament de Cultura, Messidor Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Anatomía
by Birabent
© & P 2000 Subterfuge Records

User Reviews

Coming of age story that is totally natural

This delightful film, which the Spanish seem to excel at making, just looks at a section of life of two teenage boys sharing a summer together. Good friends, they are at an age where their hormones dictate what they are doing and Nico, who thinks he's much more macho and attractive than he is, wants to lose his virginity before he reaches 17. Very cute Dani likes his friend's company and like many teenage boys discovering their sexuality, these two masturbate each other when female company is lacking. However, two girls Elena and Berta turn up at the beautiful little coastal town and Nico's interest is piqued. Dani, who feels a deep attraction for his friend wants to spend more time with Nico and resents the interference of the girls presence. It's a summer of learning and acceptance for him that he is gay. The acting is superb, so natural and human. Many European films capture this humanity that American films find it difficult to do, because the latter are generally ruled by making money, not for the art form. In Nico and Dani no judgments are ever made, no sensitivities hidden or prejudices espoused, just the sincere and objective exploration of the human condition shown as natural as it occurs in life. People are people, not ridiculous super-heroes in contrived situations. There is also a maturity in European films, with excellent acting that draws you to believe these things are really happening, and the audience is expected to be a mature one too. It's a fresh, happy little film, well photographed and the subject matter intelligently handled. I recommend it.