Cast
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Javier Bardem
as Julio Blanco
Manolo Solo
as Miralles
Almudena Amor
as Liliana
Óscar de la Fuente
as José
Sonia Almarcha
as Adela
Fernando Albizu
as Román
María de Nati
as Ángela
Tarik Rmili
as Khaled
Rafa Castejón
as Rubio
Celso Bugallo
as Fortuna
Yaël Belicha
as Inés
Francesc Orella
as Alejandro
Nao Albet
as Albert
Martín Páez
as Salva
Daniel Chamorro
as Periodista
Crew
Director
- Fernando León de Aranoa
Producer
- Fernando León de Aranoa
- Jaume Roures
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Javier Bardem is really amusing in this comedy drama. He ("Blanco") owns a company that manufactures scales, and is very excited to learn that they are up for a local civic award (he even has a space on his wall at home for the trophy!). Unfortunately for him, his best pal at work is his operations manager "Miralles" (Manolo Solo) who is having some marital difficulties causing him to screw up just about every order leaving their plant. To make matters worse, one of his disgruntled former employees "Jose" (Óscar de la Fuente) is conducting a one-man crusade outside the entrance on a piece of waste ground. Finally, well he has a bit of a wandering eye - and intern "Liliana" (Almudena Amor) is the latest object of his affections. The challenge for "Blanco" is - can he keep it all afloat long enough to win his cherished cup? It's not exactly laugh our loud, but the evolving nature of the scenarios as they gradually intertwine makes for a thoroughly enjoyable watch. A strong supporting cast help the star to deliver a punchy, sarcastically witty and wryly written observation of just how so many family business are probably run - a sort of benign megalomania. There are one or two threads that don't work quite so well, particularly towards the end - and it is perhaps 15 minutes too long, but for the most part this is an entertaining outing for a star and a director very much on form.
Jul 22, 2022
badelf
The perfect amusement for a break from heavy movies.
Aug 14, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Good Boss examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Fernando León de Aranoa brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Good Boss took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 120 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 167 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Good Boss shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Volver, which focuses more on action than character development, The Good Boss subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and All About My Mother explore similar territory, The Good Boss stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 15, 2021
- Runtime: 2h
- Revenue: $365,000
Where to Watch
