A Filmax release of a Public Special Events production, in association with Canonigo Films, Castelao Prods. (International sales: Filmax Intl., Barcelona.) Produced by Marivi De Villandeva, Toni Cortes, Marta Figueras, Julio Fernandez. Directed, written by Mireia Ros, from the novel by Francisco Casavella.
With: Juan Diego, Angela Molina, Antonio Fernandez Montoya, Marieta Orozco, Cheto, Francisco Conde, Javier Ambrossi, Pep Cruz, Joaquin Gomez, Miquel Sitja.
An invigorating ensembler set among the crime-ridden denizens of an unnamed city in '80s Spain, "El Triunfo: The Beat of the Streets" is a sensory delight that goes on a couple of reels too long. Bathed in a gentle nostalgia, pic never becomes too dark, considering the potentially violent subject matter, and is propelled by a lively rumba soundtrack. Second feature by writer-director Mireia Ros ("La monos," 1997) looks set to be an audience pleaser on the fest circuit, with theatrical legs in Latino territories.
"We wanted to live off music, to get out of that fucking neighborhood; but then we realized it wouldn't happen," says the opening v.o. by Palito (Cheto), summing up the mix of celebration and desperation that runs through the film. Palito runs with pals Tostao (Francisco Conde), druggie Topo (Javier Ambrossi) and Nen (Antonio Fernandez Montoya) in a nabe being infiltrated by black and Arab gangs who don't respect local rules.
Nen's mom, Chata (Angela Molina), who owns a small bar, has been a bit scatty since she was deserted by her husband. Still carrying a torch for her is the hood's big cheese, mafioso Gandhi (Juan Diego), who resents the incursions into his territory by foreigners.
Trouble starts when Nen is given the come-on by the toothy Susi (Marieta Orozco) who then starts dating Mediano (Miquel Sitja), the smooth son of one of Gandhi's trusted henchmen, Andrade (Pep Cruz).
Complex plot gets so tangled that Cheta has to use her sway over Gandhi to sort out truth from fiction and save her son. Meanwhile, Nen learns the truth about what really happened to his father.
Sweet-and-sour plotting climaxes in a joyous musical number sung by Nen and company at a wedding party that wraps the narrative. However, pic then goes on with a revenge subplot by Andrade that's one development too many.
Most of the casting is fine, and ensemble chemistry easy and natural. Only the veteran Diego doesn't quite measure up to his role as Gandhi; he's far too likable for someone who's meant to strike fear into locals' hearts.
Varied locations in and around Barcelona are part of the pic's flavor; costuming and other period details look on the money, without being over-retro. Johnny Tarradellas' music, heavy on rhythmic guitar numbers, keeps things moving.
Camera (color), Sergi Gallardo; editor, Dani Beltran; music, Johnny Tarradellas; art director, Llorenc Miquel; costume designer, Montse Amenos; sound (Dolby SRD), Julio Recuero; assistant director, Manel Martinez Prieto; casting, Pep Armengol. Reviewed on DVD, Berlin, Jan. 31, 2006. (In Berlin Film Festival -- Panorama.) Running time: 120 MIN.
Contact Derek Elley at
derek.elley@variety.com
Date in print: Wed., Feb. 15, 2006