Set in Obaba , where arrives a young filmmaker (Barbara Lennie) who efforts to capture the feel of the area , a mythical region in northern Spain, which in turn leads to a wealth of self-discovery . She is so interested in these local mysteries , as she interviews the aged inhabitants who recall their childhood , and youthful experiences happened long time ago and these experiences are shown as separate short films . All these tales exacerbate her ingenuity as well as imagination , and along the way she falls in love for a local young (Juan Diego Botto) . As she begins to investigate all the secrets of these mysterious people , of his family and their stories , but she finds dark trues .
Enjoyable and thought-provoking picture starred by two phenomenal actresses , Barbara Lennie and Pilar López de Ayala as a good-natured teacher . This slow-moving and intelligent picture is well set in Navarra , Spain , both nowadays and the 60s by means of flashbacks . Concerning a student who has come to tape the town for a school project , she is soon drawn to some of the stories of the residents, all of which are told in flashbacks. These stories help Lourdes to understand the little town , its people, and its secrets. Sensational film that dispenses a brooding plot and considered to be one of the best Spanish films of the2000s , in fact was voted one of the best pictures by professionals and critics . Sensitive film full of feeling , haunting mood-pieces , wonderful scenes , magic , fantasy and sense of wonder . Montxo Armendáriz, who wrote the screenplay and also shot , has put together a nice picture that mixes the past and the present. Colorful picture , including marvelous frames , being mostly filmed in various locations from Navarra , such as : Uztarroz, Isaba, Roncal, Ochagavia, Urrotz, Zizur Menor, Mutilva, Ekai de Lónguida, Liédana, and including evocative outdoor scenes , showing the incredible natural beauty of the landscapes . This extraordinary flick spells through intricate patterns of images , sets , sound and color . In addition , an excellent cast and support cast of known and prestigious players , such as Juan Diego Botto, Pilar López de Ayala , Eduard Fernández , Peter Lohmeyer, Héctor Colomé ,Txema Blasco, Mercedes Sampietro and Lluís Homar. . "Obaba" is one of Armendariz's undisputed masterpieces and fundamental in his filmography where shows efficiently an interesting story and shot at the height of his creativity , with some peculiar characters ,his style is pretty much dry in the atmosphere as in the fresh dialog , as well as realistic , and including pleasant elements . Splendid , luxurious photography with juicy atmosphere by Javier Aguirresarobe . Aguirresarobe subsequently would make a prestigious career in Hollywood such as ¨Fright night , ¨The twilight saga: eclipse¨, ¨The road¨ , ¨The others¨ and many others . Interesting screenplay by the same director based on a original novel by Bernardo Atxaga . Moving and emotive musical score by Xavier Capellas . This touching picture will appeal to Spanish films buffs ; being deservedly nominated for.
This motion picture rich in symbolism was perfectly produced by magnificent producers Karl Baumgartner, Michael Eckelt , Puy Oria and Montxo Armendáriz himself , being stunningly directed by Montxo Armendariz , a very good Spanish movies filmmaker . And won various Goya Awards 2006 such as : Winner Goya Best Sound Carlos Bonmatí
Alfonso Pino , Goya Best Director Montxo Armendáriz , Best Production Manager Puy Oria , Best Production Design Julio Esteban , Julio Torrecilla , Best Adapted Screenplay Montxo Armendáriz , Best Supporting Actress Pilar López de Ayala and Premios ACE 2006
Winner Premio ACE Best Film , Cinema Best Actress Pilar López de Ayala and Terenci Moix International Award 2006 Winner Terenci Moix Award Best Film Montxo Armendáriz . Montxo is a well recognized director both nationally and internationally, and in proof of it he won many prizes in several Festivals . Montxo Armendáriz was born in Navarra, and his films are mostly set in this Spanish region . He is a nice writer and director, expert on dramas , being especially known for Tasio (1984) , 27 hours (1986) , Cartas a Alou (1990) , Secretos del Corazón (1997), Silencio roto or Broken silence (2001) , this Obaba (2005), and his last film : No Tengas Miedo (2011) . Rating : 7/10 . Worthwhile watching . The flick will appeal to Spanish cinema enthusiasts.
