Cast
View AllAsier Flores
as Marcos
Aitor Calderón
as Toni
Miguel Rivera
as Paquito
Hugo García
as José Antonio
Luis Callejo
as Jesús
Marian Álvarez
as Carmen
Vicente Vergara
as Mariano
Pilar Gómez
as Josefa
Vicente Romero Sánchez
as Anselmo
María Isasi
as Pura
María Alfonsa Rosso
as Concha
Arón Piper
as Maserati
Yon González
as Félix
Ruth Díaz
as Dolores
Josean Bengoetxea
as Luis Mari
Crew
Director
- Manu Gómez
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Once Upon a Time in Euskadi 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 Manu Gómez 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 Once Upon a Time in Euskadi took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1257 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Once Upon a Time in Euskadi shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Holding Trevor, which focuses more on action than character development, Once Upon a Time in Euskadi offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Sniper 3 and Polyester explore similar territory, Once Upon a Time in Euskadi stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 29, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 40m