A simple story, beautifully enacted. A trio of enthusiastic, if not over-talented performers tries to make a living in the midst of the Spanish Civil War, which is increasingly being won by Franco's Nationalists. After a rousing success entertaining a group of Loyalist fighters, the weary actors take a wrong turn on a foggy road and end up in Nationalist controlled territory, where they do their best to convince the Italian and Spanish officers that they are simply performers without politics.
Impresario Paulino, husband of star Carmela, befriends an Italian officer with theatrical ambitions, and the actors are told to put on a show for the Nationalist troops. Carmela hates the idea, but loves her husband and the mute young man they have adopted, Gustavete, so she agrees to give it her best effort. Things don't work out quite as planned, however. Some background on the Spanish Civil War would help many viewers get more out of the movie, though explanatory titles are provided. Visually, the film is crammed with authentic details, such as home-made armored cars used by the Republican militias, recruiting posters, Anarchist and Republican flags, Moorish troops aiding the Spanish Nationalists, and even Generalisimo Franco himself attending the performance. The actors who play the trio of performers are admirably cast, especially Carmen Maura as Carmela. Her energy and zest during passionate, romantic songs and dances are wonderful to see. Her deep compassion for others is frequently on display, as in the maternal attitude she takes toward the unofficial son she and Paulino have taken under their wing, and her grief over the certain fate of the Polish prisoners from the International Brigades. Her humor and strong will in the face of terrifyingly unpredictable situations help keep the other two going. Andres Pajares plays the quick-witted Paulino, a former seminarian who has taken up musical comedy instead of the priesthood. His ability to size up a situation and get on the good side of dangerous people helps the little troupe to survive , but at some cost to his dignity. Paulino is a survivor who will do what it takes to get through a war, and his main survival technique is the attitude of being a performer, whether you like any particular audience or not. Ay, Carmela is a very engaging film that is at times quite amusing, but ultimately heart-breaking. This film deserves to be released on a Region 1 DVD that could be made available for a wider audience to appreciate its moving and memorable story.
Impresario Paulino, husband of star Carmela, befriends an Italian officer with theatrical ambitions, and the actors are told to put on a show for the Nationalist troops. Carmela hates the idea, but loves her husband and the mute young man they have adopted, Gustavete, so she agrees to give it her best effort. Things don't work out quite as planned, however. Some background on the Spanish Civil War would help many viewers get more out of the movie, though explanatory titles are provided. Visually, the film is crammed with authentic details, such as home-made armored cars used by the Republican militias, recruiting posters, Anarchist and Republican flags, Moorish troops aiding the Spanish Nationalists, and even Generalisimo Franco himself attending the performance. The actors who play the trio of performers are admirably cast, especially Carmen Maura as Carmela. Her energy and zest during passionate, romantic songs and dances are wonderful to see. Her deep compassion for others is frequently on display, as in the maternal attitude she takes toward the unofficial son she and Paulino have taken under their wing, and her grief over the certain fate of the Polish prisoners from the International Brigades. Her humor and strong will in the face of terrifyingly unpredictable situations help keep the other two going. Andres Pajares plays the quick-witted Paulino, a former seminarian who has taken up musical comedy instead of the priesthood. His ability to size up a situation and get on the good side of dangerous people helps the little troupe to survive , but at some cost to his dignity. Paulino is a survivor who will do what it takes to get through a war, and his main survival technique is the attitude of being a performer, whether you like any particular audience or not. Ay, Carmela is a very engaging film that is at times quite amusing, but ultimately heart-breaking. This film deserves to be released on a Region 1 DVD that could be made available for a wider audience to appreciate its moving and memorable story.