The Great Zambini (2005)

The remains of an ancient circus can still be seen on the outskirts of a big city.

Directors:

Igor Legarreta, Emilio Pérez Pérez

Writers:

David Abia, Igor Legarreta

Stars:

Emilio Gavira, Aníbal Tártalo, Esperanza De la Vega

Cast

Cast overview:
Emilio Gavira	...	Padre
Aníbal Tártalo	...	Hijo
Esperanza De la Vega	...	Madre
David Becerra	...	Niño #1
Omar Mora	...	Niño #2
Álvaro Gálvez	...	Niño #3
Inmaculada Carrasco	...	Madre #2
Alba Amante	...	Hija

Storyline

A young boy lives with his parents in the ruins of an old circus, long faded beyond its glory days - just like his dwarf father, who is a figure of mockery rather than wonder to children, a contrast to his days in the circus which exist beyond the memory of his son.

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Genres:

Short | Drama

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User Reviews

Deftly delivered without dialogue or melodrama

A young boy lives with his parents in the ruins of an old circus, long faded beyond its glory days – just like his dwarf father, who is a figure of mockery rather than wonder to children, a contrast to his days in the circus which exist beyond the memory of his son.

When I realized that this film was not in English and that the children's taunts were not subtitled, I wondered if I would be able to watch it without understanding the dialogue. As it turns out, beyond these children's cries, there is no dialogue and instead the film tells its story with slight touches and good performances to let the viewer fully understand the character's feelings, realizations and motives. It is a simple tale of a son ashamed of his father, and a father who realizes this. The device to deliver this plot is nicely understated and left to the imagination of the viewer (and, more importantly, the boy) but it doesn't really matter because the relationship and the silent knowledge of the father is what plays out the best.

The two performances capture this well and the direction of the cast and the camera maximizes the understanding of this. It is a very nicely delivered piece that is tender without being sentimental, imaginative without overdoing the effects of the idea and lets the relationship and feelings of the character sink in without the need for soapy dialogue or overwrought music. Very nicely done.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Spain]

Country:

Spain

Language:

Spanish

Release Date:

17 September 2005 (Spain)

Also Known As:

The Great Zambini

Filming Locations:

Madrid, Spain

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.00 : 1