Lo más importante de la vida es no haber muerto (2010) Reviews

• Swiss-Spain can be good!

  guysch2010-10-25

  A promising first film from a very unusual collective of directors, Olpama, consisting of three directors who met during their studies in Barcelona. The fact that the language used is Spanish and that two Spanish directors and a Swiss one worked together, alone helps giving a unique character to the film. Said to be inspired by directors like Terry Gillian, Emir Kusturica and Orson Wells among others, the result is a magnificent film set in Francoist Spain. The use of black and white emphasises contrast and adds a tragic, serious aspect to the story, contributing to distinguish the film from mainstream, while still very accessible because of its humour. A few passages in bright, impressionist colours furthers the individuality of the picture. The moving main actors, old and marked by time, reflecting on their past, their decisions and their odd paths bring sympathy to the viewer immediately. "Lo mas importante..." is a film for everyone, far from simplistic in its making it still passes as good entertainment, avoiding the trap of heaviness and shabbiness. A true dedication from the cast and the directors to whom it took three years to accomplish. I attended the preview in Geneva and was conquered by the imaginativeness of the makers and realism emanating from the actors. Ingenious ways of using the camera, from wide angles and close-ups to movements keep the spectator on his toes all the way through! In conclusion, I recommend strongly to support this small budget film which can stand proudly in its field, away from blockbusters, proving once again that good ideas, invention and genius can easily replace big stacks of money in the show-business! A unique experience that will touch you, make you laugh, reflect while trying to unknot the many strings (piano strings?) it holds...

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