León and Olvido (2004)

León y Olvido recounts the cohabitation problems and the complicated relationship between León, a young man with Down 's syndrome, and his twin sister Olvido who, since the death of their ... See full summary »

Director:

Xavier Bermúdez

Writer:

Xavier Bermúdez

Stars:

Marta Larralde, Guillem Jiménez, Gary Piquer

12 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Marta Larralde	...	Olvido / Sister
Guillem Jiménez	...	León / Brother
Gary Piquer	...	Damián
Miguel Ángel Blanco	...	Iván (as Mighello Blanco)
Jaime Vázquez	...	Jonathan
Rebeca Montero	...	Raquel
Nerea Barros	...	Chica Tienda
Laura Ponte	...	Laura
Pilar Pereira	...	Doña Dorita
Mariana Carballal	...	La madre de Jonathan
Xosé Manuel Olveira 'Pico'	...	Educador (as Xosé M. Olveira 'Pico')
Amalia Gómez	...	Educadora
Pilar Alonso	...	Mujer Guardia Civil
Maite Dacosta	...	Asistenta Socia (as Maite Da Costa)
Rodrigo Roel	...	Médico

Storyline

León y Olvido recounts the cohabitation problems and the complicated relationship between León, a young man with Down 's syndrome, and his twin sister Olvido who, since the death of their parents, has to take care of her brother after he has been expelled from several centers. León finally manages to go to live with his sister, but he finds difficulties in looking after himself and in assuming a minimum of responsibility. As far as Olvido is concerned, she does not want to lose her independence by fully devoting her life to taking care of her brother. Amidst this hard bargaining, León, under pressure from his sister's brusque attitude, will begin to accept and take up new tasks and roles at home and to assume different degrees of responsibility. The lack of social assistance, economic precariousness, and Olvido's personal and job-related changes spark a number of difficult situations and moments and are the leitmotiv of the lives of these young siblings.

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Plot Keywords:

female full rear nudity | incest overtones | grown brother sister in a bathtub | autistic brother | bare breasts | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Spain

Language:

Spanish Gallegan

Release Date:

11 February 2005 (Spain)

Also Known As:

León and Olvido

Filming Locations:

A Coruña, Galicia, Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

El Paso Producciones Cinematográficas S.L., Xamalú Filmes

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min 112 min

Sound Mix:

DTS

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Siblings

Xavier Bermudez, the director of this Spanish film has decided to make a film out of the relationship between an autistic boy and his sister. It is a strange story in which incest is not mentioned, yet it is clear to see, it is the basis of their relationship. Incest is something no one dares to talk about, yet, it is probably more prevalent than one can imagine.

If you haven't seen it, please stop reading now.

This is a film that is not for everybody because of what it depicts. The director is courageous in showing us this side of life that is incomprehensible, perhaps, to a so-called normal mind, but it happens, probably more than one suspects. The movie feels claustrophobic as we watch Leon and Olvido in their desperate situation.

Leon is an autistic young man who can't cope with life in institutions for people in his condition. Olvido is trying to make ends meet working as a sewing operator in a clothes factory. She is forced to bring Leon home and that's when her problems begins. Olvido's life goes into a tailspin because she can't cope with the problems Leon brings into it. Leon might be autistic, but has feelings and sexual cravings too.

Olvido contemplates killing Leon, but can't bring herself to do it; she is too decent to do anything like that. When things get so out of hand, she even tries to commit suicide. The final scene is enigmatic, at best. It's probably Olvido's escape from a life that has been unkind to her.

Marta Larralde, as Olvido is good, in a measured performance. Gillem Jimenez, who shows more intelligence than we give him credit for, is excellent in portraying the troubled youth. His class mates are also endearing because they all show they are quite happy with their lot.

The film is disturbing, but ultimately it will reward those with an open mind.