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Spanish Culture through Movies

Written on : 18 January 2021
By : Laura Wendy Harders López
Spanish Culture through Movies

One of the best ways to be acquainted with a country's cultural heritage and idiosyncrasies is arguably by watching films that centre around its rich history and regional identities! 
 
Want to discover Spanish culture from the comfort of your own home? Are you planning a forthcoming holiday trip to Spain and would like to learn more about this marvellous country? are you a cinephile? If one of these sounds like you, read on and find out about some of the top movies you ought to watch to learn about Spanish culture!
 
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1) Welcome Mr Marshall

Welcome, Mr Marshall or Bienvenido Mr Marshall is a Spanish cinema classic, which gives us some insight into the most pastoral view of mid-19th century Spain. During the 1950s, a group of Americans visit a small provincial village to assess whether the area has investment potential for development- as part of the Marshall Plan (a plan for the restoration and development of Europe after WWII). The visit causes excitement, and the people get decked out to the sound of the "copla" (traditional Spanish music) to make a good impression on their visitors in the hope of being admitted to their investment plan. 

2) Volver

To discuss Spanish cinema equals talking about "Almodóvar". This famous Spanish director is unique for his distinctive and extensive filmography, creating riveting drama movies with comical overtones about Spanish urban culture and a leader of the New Spanish Cinema post-Franco era. He is also lauded for his profound portrayal of women-- especially Spanish women with very complicated lives. "Volver" was a box-office film in 2006, starring renowned actress Penélope Cruz as the main character, and taking place in Castilla La Mancha (Almodóvar's birthplace; and where he currently resides). It shows a rustic and traditional Spain enveloping the story of the protagonist's relentless search for her lost mother-- including many of Almodovar's distinctive soap-opera characteristics.
 
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3) La Gran Familia Española - Family United

La Gran Familia Española or Family United is a Spanish comedy movie about a wedding taking place during the World Cup Final in 2010. On that day, five brothers reunite at a family wedding in a quaint Spanish village. This story will not only give you insight into the stereotypical Spanish personalities but will also offer a nearly two-hour laughing session!

4) La Lengua de las Mariposas

4) La Lengua de las Mariposas

La Lengua de las Mariposas by José Luis Cuerda is a movie that takes place in the Spanish Civil War and centres around the lives of a young boy and an old man. The story shows the impact and toll that the war took on people's lives, especially on the two protagonists. Seeing how the war interrupts the boy's personal growth as he goes through his "coming-of-age" stage from boy to young adult, the movie offers insights on the different problems people had to go through in their personal lives. Even though the film uses the Spanish Civil war as a framework, this socio-historical story is softened by the innocent view of the young boy.

5) Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown or Mujeres al Borde de un Ataque de Nervios is one of Almodóvar's most famous movies of all time. The story takes place in Madrid, Spain, where Pepa discovers that she is pregnant from her boyfriend Ivan, who recently broke up with her. She tries reaching him to tell him the news, yet he ignores all her phone calls. 
With humorous and dramatic overtones, a chain of staggering events causes Pepa to discover Carlos-- Ivan's first-born son, and his wife. Hence, Ivan's two ex-partners attempt to face him and demand explanations. However, he is already pleasantly at the airport with his new lover about to leave the country.

6) Ocho Apellido Vascos

Ocho Apellidos Vascos or Spanish Affair is arguably one of the most-watched Spanish movies of all time. The film centres around Rafa, an Andalusian young man from southern Spain who falls in love with Amaia, a Basque woman from northern Spain-- whom they meet at her friend's hen party in Sevilla. After spending the night together, he decides to travel to the Basque Country to win her heart. However, given the stark contrast between the northern and southern Spain's culture, personality, and traditions, Rafa endeavours to "fit in" Amaia's family by passing as a "pure-bred" Basque.  
 
This funny comedy film is without a doubt a must-watch for anyone who wants to travel to Spain, given it provides insights into Spanish culture and the stereotypical people from the northern and southern part of the country-- depicted in the film as complete opposites. What's more, there's also a follow-up of the film: Ocho Apellidos Catalanes, or Spanish Affair 2. 

7) El Laberinto del Fauno - Guillermo del Toro

7) El Laberinto del Fauno - Guillermo del Toro

El Laberinto del Fauno or the Pan's Labyrinth, by Guillermo del Toro, is a very famous movie set in the Franco dictatorship period in Spain in 1944. Here, fantasy and the reality of that cruel time are weaved and framed in the story of a little girl who meets a faun in an ancient maze. The faun tells her that she is a princess who needs to complete three important tasks to become immortal. 
This intriguing story will undoubtedly glue its viewers to the screen.
 
 
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