DVD Review - Libertarias

Vincente Aranda's Libertarias (Freedom Fighters) is a powerful film about the latter part of the Spanish Civil War. It focuses on a group of anarchists where everyone, men and women, are equals. But truth be told, most of the film is about those brave women.

Maria (Ariadna Gil) is a nun who has to leave her convent before the rebels burn it. The Church is implicated in many crimes against the people. Maria hides out in (of all places) a bordello. But the bordello is liberated by a group of rebel women led by the fiery Pilar (Ana Belen). Soon Maria finds herself fighting alongside the anti-fascists. Another woman to join the rebels is the feisty Floren (Victoria Abril). The film shows us how a real egalitarian collective works. And this is before anyone ever heard of the word feminism.

Libertarias is an important film and is very well made. Aranda makes us feel as if we are actually on the battlefield with the rebels. The acting is very good with the above mentioned all of the above actresses outstanding. Also of note are Jorge Sanz and Jose Sancho as a father and son fighting for freedom.

If you like political films (as I do) and are also interested in history and true feminism then this film is for you.

Down with capitalism - up with the people!