El Bola (2000) - Spain
Stories of childhood, though often attempted by filmmakers, are some of the hardest to tell with dignity. Writers and directros are, as it happens, all adults. Often we are assaulted with sentimentalism, unrealistic wisdom, exaggerations of violence or innocence. Malena is a monumental achievement in portrayal of boys. El Bola is another one worthy of praise.
Though I am not a big fan of child actors, Juan José Ballesta gives a great performance as Pedro, a middle school student with a ball-bearing lucky charm. He has already grown into a wonderful young actor since El Bola.
This is a story that's more common that anyone thinks or admits. As adults, many of us try to forget this part of our childhood. I'm glad the director Achero Mañas took care not to overdramatize but stuck with realism. I cried, as I often do, but somehow these tears were more real, coming from somewhere deep inside me and from long ago. As if I'd held off crying when I was a child, and now remembered.
Both the cinematography and the editing of this film get an honorable mention. They really take it from good to great.
Though I am not a big fan of child actors, Juan José Ballesta gives a great performance as Pedro, a middle school student with a ball-bearing lucky charm. He has already grown into a wonderful young actor since El Bola.
This is a story that's more common that anyone thinks or admits. As adults, many of us try to forget this part of our childhood. I'm glad the director Achero Mañas took care not to overdramatize but stuck with realism. I cried, as I often do, but somehow these tears were more real, coming from somewhere deep inside me and from long ago. As if I'd held off crying when I was a child, and now remembered.
Both the cinematography and the editing of this film get an honorable mention. They really take it from good to great.