Semana Santa (2002)

User Rating:

4.2/10   

Director:

Pepe Danquart

Writers:

David Hewson (novel)
Roy Mitchell (writer)

Release Date:

24 April 2002 (Italy)

Genre:

Thriller | Drama

Plot:

The most spectacular Easter celebration in the World. Hosts of hooded Penitents parade through the ancient, narrow streets

Plot Keywords:

Voice Over | Hospital | Fisticuffs | Gay Slur | Impalement

Cast

Mira Sorvino	...	Maria Delgado
Olivier Martinez	...	Quemada
Féodor Atkine	...	Torillo
Alida Valli	...	Doña Catalina
Peter Berling	...	Castenada
Fermí Reixach	...	Rodriguez
Luis Tosar	...	Antonio
Jorge Bosch	...	Jaime Mateo
Yohana Cobo	...	Young Dona Catalina
Carlos Castañon	...	Dr. Hidalgo
Jose M. Blanco	...	Don Manuel
Azucena De La Fuente	...	Maggi
Alexander Konheim	...	Famiani
Pablo Rojas	...	Apprentice Luis
Juan Del Santo	...	Felipe Ordonez

Also Known As:

Angel of Death (Canada: English title) (International: English title) (USA)
Semana Santa (France)
Semana Santa - Die Bruderschaft des Todes (Germany) (DVD title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence including a sexual assault, and language.

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

Germany | UK | France | Italy | Spain | Denmark

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX

Certification:

Argentina:16 | France:-12 | Germany:16 | Singapore:NC-16

Filming Locations:

Sevilla, Andalucía, Spain

Company:

A Wandering Star

Trivia:

Alida Valli's last film.

Quotes:

Quemada: Women have been known to throw their panties at him.
Maria Delgado: I'll be sure to wear some for the occasion.

Solid Murder Mystery

The only thing special about this film may be the very human everyday interactions between the characters in this film. An important scene might have a little glance or aside that only tells of the place and the people but have no real impact on the story. Mia Sorvino along with the other actors and even the walk-on extras just feel real and utterly regular in the skins that they occupy on screen. 99% of movies do not succeed as well as this one when it comes to that pervasive "REALITY" feeling.

Yes the pacing could have been better. Yes you might be lost if you don't pay attention to each plot revelation. Yes you might not be surprised at all by how the story turns out. But this is a beautiful film in its grounded feeling, the acting, and the little things outside of the main focus which give life to the world and its characters.

Not original at all but great acting and good direction makes for a hidden gem in my opinion.

-Karl