Beatlemania is the driving force behind David Trueba's leisurely seriocomic road movie. Set in 1966, when John Lennon visited Spain to film How I Won the War—a trip that inspired “Strawberry Fields Forever,” from which the title here is taken—the story focuses on Antonio (Javier Cámara), a good-hearted English teacher who uses the lyrics from Beatles songs as instructional tools. After learning that Lennon is in the country, Antonio decides to drive to the film location site and ask Lennon to have the lyrics printed on the LP albums to help his students. Along the way he picks up two hitchhikers—Belen (Natalia de Molina), a pregnant girl claiming to be visiting her mother, and Juanjo (Francesc Colomer), a 15-year-old who left home when his dad ordered him to get a haircut. The three bond, especially after reaching the seaside town where Lennon's movie is filming. Antonio gets Belen a place to stay and Juanjo a job in the local café, and the pair accompany him in his quest to meet with his idol. Along the way, they naturally confront setbacks and even a local ruffian (which allows for some rather heavy-handed allusions to the repressive Franco regime). A low-key charmer that is buoyed by engaging performances, this is recommended. [Note: DVD extras include an “In the Recording Studio with Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny” soundtrack segment with the composers (4 min.), deleted scenes (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an engaging film.] (F. Swietek)
Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed
Strand, 108 min., in Spanish w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $27.99, Apr. 21 Volume 30, Issue 3
Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed
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