The Grandfather

More like a fine meal that starts slowly, and then--course after course--becomes ever more sumptuous, elegant and filling, The Grandfather, directed with gorgeous attention to period detail by Jose Luis Garcia, tells of the ups and downs of three generations of aristocracy in turn-of-the century Spain. Rather than offering a sweeping, glamorized overview of history, however, this Oscar nominated film focuses on characters and situations that develop over a limited series of finely controlled scenes, allowing viewers to gradually discover the details, desires, passions and betrayals of each character. After his son passes away, an elderly, blunt speaking grandfather (magnificently played by Fernando Fernan-Gomez) attempts to wrest control of his two granddaughters from his beautiful, but unfaithful daughter in law, the Countess Lucrecia (Cayetana Guillen Cuervo). As it becomes clear that one of the girls is not his late son's, the grandfather's crisis worsens and he begins to contemplate the meaning and value of his life. The end result is a philosophical, lyrical and cinematic film that could never have been made in Hollywood, where the phrase “character driven” is usually only used to identify who will be driving the stunt vehicle. As satisfying as watching a great stage play or reading a fine historical narrative, The Grandfather is highly recommended. (R. Ray)