From blockbuster films to extravagant premieres, Hollywood cinema has taken the movie industry beyond what it began as. But, the ingenuity of different artistic minds often gets overlooked as bigger names garner more attention.
The Spanish-language film industry is full of hidden gems, with movies rich in culture and storytelling. Here is a list of some Spanish-language films that are worth your time:
The Young and the Damned, 1950
Set in the streets of Mexico City, the neo-realist picture portrays the lives of several children living in a poor neighborhood. With some of these adolescents facing neglect and others completely abandoned by their parents, the story unfolds as viewers witness the vicious cycle of crime and poverty. The hour and a half long film does an excellent job of making audiences feel like they are living every minute alongside the characters, and this list would be incomplete without it. Directed by the acclaimed Spanish-Mexican filmmaker Luis Buñuel, The Young and the Damned is a classic in the art of Hispanic cinema.
All About My Mother, 1999
Solidifying its place on this list is the winner of the Best Foreign Language Film award from the 72nd Academy Awards.The Oscar-winning picture follows a single mother in Madrid, whose world turns upside down upon her son’s passing, as she sets out to inform his absent father. From start to finish, the storytelling captivates your attention with one of the most memorable monologues from a film. By the end, you feel like you have learned a valuable lesson from each woman in the film. All About My Mother is one of the films that has earned filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar his admiration in the industry today.
Madeinusa, 2006
Set in the outskirts of Peru, 14-year-old Madeinusa belongs to a village that follows extreme religious beliefs and cultural isolation. Upon encountering Salvador, a geologist from Lima who finds himself trapped in their town, the young girl envisions a chance to escape her restricting community. The 2006 film directed by Claudia Llosa, acts as a coming-of-age story that doesn’t follow traditional themes. With a criticism on religious extremism, child abuse, and colonialism, Madeinusa is a rich feature film that showcases the best of Peruvian filmmaking.
Sidewalls, 2011
As a love letter to the city of Buenos Aires, Gustavo Taretto showcases the beauty that exists within the city’s streets, buildings, and even its mundane moments. The romantic comedy observes the detached lifestyles of Martín and Mariana who, despite their similarities, struggle to develop a relationship. What sets it apart from typical rom-coms is the dialogue between the complex protagonists, as they share conversations that feel like poetry. In light of the film’s portrayal of isolation in a bustling city, Sidewalls is a perfect watch for a quiet afternoon.
Glue Sniffer, 1999
Co-produced between Spain and Venezuela, most of the scenes were filmed in the streets of Caracas. Similar to the first movie on this list, Elia Schneider’s 1999 film follows a young boy Oliver, who seeks refuge in the cold and dangerous streets of one of the world’s toughest neighborhoods. As he attempts to avoid falling into the pattern of crime others do, his situation gets increasingly dire as a gang has their sights on recruiting him. This intense portrayal of the harsh realities of everyday life, makes Glue Sniffer an unforgettable watch with its hard-hitting story.
