La mitad del cielo

A great film that challenges the identification of women with the domestic sphere. The protagonist's somber struggle involves breaking into the world of Franco's male dominated 70's - not directly after the Spanish Civil War-that was in the 30's. A touch of the surreal but the darker, more reserved Spanish style, not the colorful magical realism of Latin America.

Rural and urban drama set in wonderful landscapes and starred by Spanish all-star-cast , such as Angela Molina , Fernando Fernán Gómez , Santiago Ramos , Antonio Valero and being well directed by Manuel Gutierrez Aragon . It deals with Rosa's life (Angela Molina) from her adolescence at a village in Cantabria region to the sixties in which she triumphs in Madrid , ruling a great restaurant . In Valle De Pas , Rosa lives with her parents (Raul Freire , Concha Hidalgo) and siblings (Enriqueta Carballeira , Mercedes Lezcano) . But Rosa flees from her sad home and goes to the capital , Madrid . At the beginning , Rosa gets a stand at the market where sells tripe , sweetbread , liver , kidney , tongue and other guts . A bit later on , with the help of Don Pedro (Fernando Fernán Gómez) , a chief supplies , she opens a restaurant that transforms in an intellectual and political center .

The brilliant first part is set in Valle De Pas , next to Torrelavega , Cantabria , North of Spain , with little dialogue and narrative ellipsis . Here several characters are presented , the stiff-upper-lip father , the haunting grandmother , and her future husband : Santiago Ramos , who goes into prison . The second part describes how Rosa arrives in Madrid as maid of the wealthy Don Pedro , magnificently played by Fernando Fernan Gomez , as always . This interesting film deals with thought-provoking drama of human emotions crammed with social habits , family relationship and love stories . Its style is pretty much agreeable and realistic as well in the atmosphere as in the fresh dialog , but also including magical elements as when the deceased grandmother appears . This film describes the rural life , including a character studio of local people along with their lives in the big city with markets , shops and restaurants ; however , it relies heavily on Rosa's family relationships . The picture belongs to Manuel Gutierrez Aragon's trilogy , formed by : 1ª : ¨Demonios En Jardín¨ (1982) , 2ª : ¨Mitad Del Cielo¨ (1986) or ¨Half of Heaven¨ and 3ª : ¨El Rey Del Rio¨(1999) , all of the them concerning about chronicles of the post-Spanish Civil War until the ¨political transition¨ . The film talks about ¨Food¨, as various characters appear eating and preparing vegetable stews , meats , dishes , and other stews . Well played by known and notorious actors such as Angela Molina playing a Cantabrian woman who travels to Madrid after the Civil War to get a great triumph and Fernando Fernán Gómez steals the show as old supplies chief who falls in love for Rosa . Support cast is frankly good , such as Margarita Lozano as mysterious grandmother , Paula Molina as a teen of lurid imagination , Raul Freire as a grumpy father who pulls off coercing methods , Nacho Martínez as stiff public official and Francisco Merino as likable shopkeeper . Good production design by Jose Luis Cerezo , correctly reflecting the atmosphere by that time and location . Evocative gowns by expert costumer Gerardo Vera . Splendid photography with juicy atmosphere by the prestigious Jose Luis Alcaine . Alcaine was first cinematographer to use fluorescent tube as "key" lightning and deemed to be one of the best Spanish cameramen . Alcaine frequently works with Pedro Almodóvar , Bigas Luna and Vicente Aranda , he has photographed a lot of successes . Being appropriately filmed on location , showing one colorful filming from Valle De Pas , Cantabria , North of Spain . Traditional and folklorist score by a great folk band , Milladoiro . The picture won numerous prizes such as Fotogramas De Plata 1987 to Best Film , Best Movie Actor : Fernando Fernán Gómez ; Goya Awards 1987 to Best Movie Actress : Angela Molina , Best Cinematography : José Luis Alcaine , Best Costume Design : Gerardo Vera ; San Sebastian International Film Festival won Golden SeaShell : best filmmaker and best actress .

The motion picture perfectly produced by magnificent producer , Luis Megino (also screenwriter) was compellingly written and directed by Manuel Gutierrez Aragon , a good Spanish movies director . Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón was born on January 2 , 1942 in Torrelavega , Cantabria, where uses to set most of films , including Valley Pas . He is a writer and director, known for Habla, Mudita (1973) , Camada Negra (1977) , Maravillas (1981) , Demonios en el Jardín (1982) , Feroz (1984) , Visionarios (2001) , Todos Estamos Invitados (2008) . He began working in cinema in 1973 when he filmed ¨Habla Mudita ¨ , this debut feature by acclaimed Spanish director deals with a strange relationship between a mature men and a mute villager and also set in rural country from Valley Pas . Manuel Gutierrez is a well recognized filmmaker both nationally and internationally, and in proof of it he won many prizes among which there are the following ones : David di Donatello Awards , Moscow International Film Festival , and San Sebastian International Festival award to ¨Demonios en Jardin¨ , Goya Awards 1987 to ¨La Mitad del Cielo¨ , Cinema Writers Circle Awards, Spain and Berlin Internation Festival 1996 to ¨Rey del Rio¨ , Biarritz International Festival awards and Goyas 2003 to ¨Caballero Don Quijote¨ , among others .

Marvellous and magic film about the rising of a woman (Angela Molina) in Franco era from her little poor village to become the owner of a fashion restaurant.. It has also a supernatural inner plot, like a Celtic fairy tale, through the role of this woman's grandma and daughter. Alcaine's cinematography is beautiful, and the work of all the cast is excellent. The script and the direction develops nicely the story as well, with amazing elipsis. It is necessary to emphasize also the work of Fernando Fernan Gómez, as superb as always, in the role of the nice and rich old man who helps the main character.Fernan Gómez wasn't a usual actor. He used to give to his roles his own personality as the monster of the acting he was. And in this film his role is also very charming, because despite he feels deeply attracted by this woman and has an affair With her, also let her to be free and want her happiness. And what can i say about Angela Molina work? As in most other films she shriek and squeal a lot with her high voice. In any other actress it would be ridiculous. But in her is a part of her acting that always fits perfectly!!

La Mitad del Cielo (Half of Heaven) is a fantastic film that will give the viewer a wonderful sense of Spanish history, culture, and the natural beauty of Spain.

Set immediately following the Spanish Civil War, a young woman is forced to move from her home in the north to Madrid, where she gets a job as a wet nurse. Over time she rises in society and comes to have her own restaurant (this is a great food film with a fun food fight). Part of what makes it special is a mystical connection between the woman's daughter and mother, both of whom can see the future, a power which seems to skip generations.

See it!

This movie has "haunted" me since I saw it five or six years ago, and I keep trying to find a place where I could rent it again. The scenery is awesome -- green and fertile. The story captures the little-known Celtic side (i.e., magical side) of the folks from northern Spain. It is a slice-of-life quite unlike my own life -- and makes you think. See it at least once.