Bad Education (2004)

An examination on the effect of Franco-era religious schooling and sexual abuse on the lives of two longtime friends.

Director:

Pedro Almodóvar

Writer:

Pedro Almodóvar

Stars:

Gael García Bernal, Fele Martínez, Javier Cámara

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 16 wins & 41 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Gael García Bernal	...	Ángel / Juan / Zahara
Fele Martínez	...	Enrique Goded
Daniel Giménez Cacho	...	Padre Manolo
Lluís Homar	...	Sr. Berenguer
Francisco Maestre	...	Padre José
Francisco Boira	...	Ignacio
Juan Fernández	...	Martín
Nacho Pérez	...	Ignacio (as Ignacio Pérez)
Raúl García Forneiro	...	Enrique (as Raúl Gª Forneiro)
Javier Cámara	...	Paquito
Alberto Ferreiro	...	Enrique Serrano
Petra Martínez	...	Madre
Sandra	...	Transformista
Roberto Hoyas	...	Camarero

Storyline

In the early 60s, two boys - Ignacio and Enrique - discover love, movies and fear in a Christian school. Father Manolo, the school principal and Literature teacher, both witnesses and takes part in these discoveries. The three characters come against one another twice again, in the late 70s and in 1980. These meetings are set to change the life and death of some of them.

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Plot Keywords:

sex with a priest | sexual abuse | pubic hair | pederasty | masturbation | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated NC-17 for a scene of explicit sexual content

Did You Know?

Trivia

Gael García Bernal fired off an angry riposte to New York Times reporter Lynn Hirschberg after she claimed that he had fallen out with Pedro Almodóvar over filming the explicit homosexual love scenes in the film. Bernal wanted it on record that he had had absolutely no reservations about taking the role.

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Goofs

When young Ignacio is singing to Father Manolo as a birthday present his lips move a little before we hear the lyrics

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Quotes

Ignacio: I think I've just lost my faith at this moment, so I no longer believe in God or hell. As I don't believe in hell, I'm not afraid. And without fear I'm capable of anything.

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Alternate Versions

An R-rated version of the film that trims or cuts some scenes was released on DVD, though the original NC-17 one is also available in the exact same format.

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Connections

Referenced in Caché (2005)

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Soundtracks

Moon River
(Johnny Mercer / Henry Mancini)
(c) by Famous Music Corp. Authorized by the exclusive worldwide rights holder, Famous Music Española
All rights reserved.
Performed by Pedro José Sanchez Martinez
Programa de Canto Infantil Padre Soler, Universidad Carlos III (Madrid)
Sponsored by Ayuntamiento de Parla and Fundación Marc Rich

User Reviews

Utterly brilliant

With 'La Mala Educación' Pedro Almodóvar has surpassed himself. It's a very intelligent film with wisely-chosen actors. Gael García Bernal is simply magnificent in portraying three very different characters. This goes to show that he's not only got looks but also a great talent. It couldn't have been easy for him, especially when doing the role of Zahara! Fele Martínez is also very good as Enrique, Ignacio's beloved childhood friend. A round of applause goes to the young Ignacio as well. One can see the anxiety in his eyes when Father Manolo approaches him. The latter's frustration is very clearly brought out in the direction of certain scenes by Almodóvar. Definitely not a film to miss!

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Classics [United States]

Country:

Spain

Language:

Spanish Latin

Release Date:

11 February 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bad Education

Filming Locations:

La Berzosilla, Torrelodones, Madrid, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$147,370, 21 November 2004

Gross USA:

$5,284,284

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$40,423,279

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canal+ España, El Deseo, Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales (ICAA)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1