Monday, April 8, 2013

Spanish Cinema Week - Pájaros de papel



Directed by Emilio Aragón and photographed by David Omedes Pájaros de papel (Paper birds) fall into the category of comedy-drama.


The story of a group of circus performers is set after the war that had deprived them of everything but hunger. The musician Jorge del Pino, the ventriloquist Enrique Corgo, the popular singer Rocío Moliner and Miguel, the orphan, along with the other “lost souls” form an extraordinary family. They try to live every day like any other, with its miseries and joys. Laugh and music help them overcome obstacles and the lack of bread is compensated by audience applause.

Among winners and losers protagonists look for something to eat or for a place to sleep rather than for a chance in life. Unfortunately, sooner than they can imagine, they encounter tough test and they  have to make decision which turns into a matter of survival.

In the time full of intrigues and dangers performers  try to go straight forward to get somewhere where they can sleep without fear

This touching but free of mawkish sentiment (like Tres metros sobre el cielo) movie is a heartwarming tale of unusual friendship. What I like about Pájaros de papel, except for the performance of the actors, is charming soundtrack. On top of that, the photography is very impressive. Each close-up shot seems to be very meaningful; in my opinion it can evoke deep emotions in every person.

This production definitely belongs to my list of best movies. What is more, it’s similar to my beloved La vita e bella and Cinema Paradiso, another films really worth seeing.  


2 comments:

  1. Films set in a circus have a special, slightly mysterious atmosphere. The one I saw quite recently (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus) was absolutely crazy, scary and wonderful at the same time. Do you know it?

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  2. Yes, I watched it and I liked it :)

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