15 Years and One Day

Jon (Arón Piper) is a conflictive and maverick teen who is expelled from school. His mother Margo (Maribel Verdú) is struggling to deal with her son, that's why Jon a rebellious and free-spirited teenager who runs with a bad crowd. Then, Margo decides to send him to his grandfather Max (Tito Valverde), a retired military man, so that he can put it under his belt. Max is a former military man decorated for his bravery in the Bosnian war. But it won't be easy for him: Jon likes to skirt around danger, while Max is a man of customs who has settled into a very comfortable and calm point in his life, without responsibilities and enjoying the necessary comfort, without ties. This new home does not equal an attitude change, and when Jon is seriously injured after being involved in a grave crime, both boy and man will learn to face their fears and limitations.

It stars a series of veteran actors and other very young newcomers to acting, but they all provide decent performances. These young actors give life to emotionally broken characters, with no future and no apparent way out: so they ask themselves: ? What do you want to be when you grow up? And he answer: "Nothing"; ? And another? : nothing. The film comes to life thanks to attractive details, such as the sensitivity that is slowly growing, the delicacy in the shots, in the gestures and in the looks, as well as the endearing relationship between the responsible grandfather and his rebel grandson. It's not that it becomes heavy or boring either, but it is far from reaching peaks of emotionality and greatness. It is clear that Maribel Verdú plays in a league higher than her co-stars, although I must admit that Tito Valverde does a good job with a peculiar character: retired military officer who lives in a small coastal town and believes he can fix his grandson with his own style of discipline. Tito Valverde deviates from the typical grandfatherly edge and at times appears as scared and lost as his guest grandson does not follow his rigid rules . Belén López is also very notable as the cynical police inspector, but it is a shame that her personal story is left out. Starring Arón Piper delivers an acceptable performance in this coming-of-age story, playing the rebellious teenager who is constantly involved in problems. Piper would develop an interesting career that would culminate this same year with the successful ¨el Correo¨de Daniel Calparsoro.

Gracia Querejeta directs and co-writes the script - together with Santos Mercero - of this drama that was the great winner of the Malga Festival 2013, in which it won, among other awards, the Biznaga de oro for best film, and the Biznaga de plata for best script. At the time of its release, the intrinsic sadness of the film was added to the death of Elías Querejeta, Gracia's father and one of the most important producers that Spanish cinema has had in its entire history. Therefore, it is inevitable to draw certain parallels between the real life of the director and the conflicts experienced by this equally Basque family. But I think that, if there are references, they are more the result of unfortunate chance than sought on purpose. Although in the final credits the simple and obligatory tribute to her father figure appears.

The motion picture was professionally directed by Gracia Querejeta , realized in her particular style . Querejeta is particularly known by making films about the underprivileged and dealing with provoking issues. Gracia Querejeta was born (1963) in Madrid , where she uses to shoot her pictures. Daughter of costume designer Maiki Marín and the noted producer, already deceased , Elías Querejeta . Gracia is a notorious director and writer , known for ¨Siete Mesas Billar Francés¨ 2007 , ¨Héctor¨, ¨Cuando Vuelvas a Mi Lado¨ 1999 , ¨El Ultimo Viaje Robert Rylands¨ 1996 , ¨Una Estación de Paso¨ 1992 , ¨Ola de crimenes¨, and ¨Felices 140¨ that failed at box office , being her most successful movie : ¨15 Años Y 1 Dia¨ , that achieved Goya Awards . Rating : 6.5/10. Decent teen drama that will appeal to Maribel Verdú and Fernando Valverde enthusiasts.