DVD Review - The Carpenter's Pencil
This film, based on a novel by Manuel Rivas, is also known as Escrito en el Destino and Lapis du Carpenteiro. It is wonderfully directed by Anton Reixas and written for the screen by Reixas and Xose Morais.
The story takes place in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War and right before Madrid fell into Franco's hands. Dr. Daniel Da Barca (Tristan Ulloa) is an outspoken supporter of a free Republic (including women's rights). This does not sit well with the Fascists who are trying to take over the country and he is eventually arrested. To complicate matters he is in love with Marissa (Maria Adanez), the daughter of the wealthy Benito Mallo (Manuel Manquina) who is a Franco supporter.
While imprisoned Da Barca is given unusual consideration by one of the guards, Herbal (Luis Tosar). I was wondering why that was so but I found out before the film's end. There is more to him than meets the eye. And I also found out what the significance of the carpenter's pencil was. There is also a subplot that involves Herbal, his abused sister Beatriz (Maria Pujalte) and her bullying husband Zalo (Nancho Novo). I don't want to say more about the plot because there a number of little twists and turns that you should see for yourself.
This film is a powerful political tale and shows us how awful things were for those who wanted Spain to be a free Republic. It still amazes me that Franco stayed in power for such a long time. The Carpenter's Pencil is also a wonderful love story. Maria will do anything she can to help her man (and in this case that is a good thing).
I liked this film so much that I now want to read the book. I don't know if the film had a theatrical release in the US but it is available on DVD and I highly recommend it.
The story takes place in 1936 during the Spanish Civil War and right before Madrid fell into Franco's hands. Dr. Daniel Da Barca (Tristan Ulloa) is an outspoken supporter of a free Republic (including women's rights). This does not sit well with the Fascists who are trying to take over the country and he is eventually arrested. To complicate matters he is in love with Marissa (Maria Adanez), the daughter of the wealthy Benito Mallo (Manuel Manquina) who is a Franco supporter.
While imprisoned Da Barca is given unusual consideration by one of the guards, Herbal (Luis Tosar). I was wondering why that was so but I found out before the film's end. There is more to him than meets the eye. And I also found out what the significance of the carpenter's pencil was. There is also a subplot that involves Herbal, his abused sister Beatriz (Maria Pujalte) and her bullying husband Zalo (Nancho Novo). I don't want to say more about the plot because there a number of little twists and turns that you should see for yourself.
This film is a powerful political tale and shows us how awful things were for those who wanted Spain to be a free Republic. It still amazes me that Franco stayed in power for such a long time. The Carpenter's Pencil is also a wonderful love story. Maria will do anything she can to help her man (and in this case that is a good thing).
I liked this film so much that I now want to read the book. I don't know if the film had a theatrical release in the US but it is available on DVD and I highly recommend it.
posted by Film Fanatic | 7:42 PM
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