Blancanieves (2012)

Directed by: Pablo Berger
Country: Spain

Review: After the French “The Artist” has invoked recently the black and white silent films from the past, here is another one coming from Spain that took the idea in a serious way, bringing to mind the topnotch dramatic movies from those times. Inspired in “Snow White”, “Blancanieves” adapts the classic with creativity, making an original parallel with the typical Spanish culture, where the flamenco and bullfights have a prominent place. Set in the 20’s Andalusia, the film marks the return of Pablo Berger to filmmaking, nine years after the respected “Torremolinos 73”. Macarena Garcia put charm in the role of Spanish Snow White, but was Maribel Verdú who stood out as profligate and cruel stepmother. Regardless of the fact I loathe bullfights, Blancanieves should be seen for its confident direction, expressive performances, appealing visuals and well-crafted ideas. Even employing a primitive approach, it managed to bestow some freshness to an old and recurring tale.