Film No. 40 (2023) May 29th. 6:35 PM PALACE Raine Sq, Plat Cinema 6, Perth City.
"This is my cell. What I say in here goes. Do you understand?" (Manuel gets his first "rule of law" in Mondelo 77 from his new cell mate, Jose Pino).
WINNER: (Alberto Rodriguez), Best Film & Best Director @ ASECAN. NOMINEE x5 @ GOYA AWARDS 2023.
The fact that MONDELO 77 is based on real events that occurred as recently as the late 70's into the 80's is mind boggling. Perhaps 77 gives audiences a chance to experience what life in prison in Spain under the Franco regime was really like. So while Alberto Rodrigues has created a prison drama packed with all you'd expect, this is no SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION. Not by a long shot.
MONDELO gives its audience an insight into one example of the plight of convicted people in Spain during the immediate aftermath of Franco's passing. Rodrigues sets his story in a maximum security prison in the heart of his home "town" Barcelona. Other than a few short scenes prior to the rolling titles, the entire film is shot in the claustrophobic confines of 77. The early drone shot above the jail gives us a sense of what home looks like for Manual (Miguel Herran) in the coming years.
As a flow on from the tyrannical rule of Franco, Spanish jails were overflowing with men (in the case of this story) who waited to be tried for often minor offences. Herran (MONEY HEIST) captures our attention with his good looks and clear brown eyes. He's accused of embezzlement as an accountant of a large company. The system cares little for the speed with which he faces court or for his protests. It's here there is a touch of the" SHAWSHANKS". He's mistreated and bashed but eventually Manuel needs to find his an ally and credibility. Javier Gutierrez (MARSHLAND) provides the power of comradeship; a quality Manuel will need to survive.
The brilliant Rodriguez gave us MARSHLAND (2014). In it he created a strong, believable connection between cops Juan & Pedro as they hunted a serial killer in humid swamplands. In 77 he reinforces how he wants us to empathetically "root" for his characters, in this case, Manuel and Jose. He's lost nothing in 8 years. Maybe he's even strengthened this artistic long-suit of his.
I would so have loved to have experienced a viewing with locals in the darkness of a Barcelona cinema. There are generations of Spanish natives who can't believe their parents and grandparents experienced this era. MODELO 77 has created plenty of emotion at its Spanish screenings. The younger generations are grappling to believe Rodriguez's gritty interpretation. The fact so many prisoners of that time live and continue to tell their story gives great credence to this interpretation. 11GUMS.
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