The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca
Wars are terrible but civil wars are even worse . . . brother against brother. I remember well the circumstances of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 when Generalissimo Francisco Franco lead a revolt against the duly elected democratic government. Large amounts of armaments and planes were given to the rebels by Hitler and Mussolini. The term "The Fifth Column" (which took on the meaning of "traitor") came from that war. While the Soviet Union sent meager help to the Republic of Spain and while many young people from all around the world enlisted in the International Brigade to fight for the Republic; and while Americans volunteered and formed The Lincoln Brigade, the United States, under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt chose to continue our anti-Communist foreign policy (pretty much as we still do . . . witness Cuba) regardless of whose bed we had to sleep in. "We" were neutral; that meant we would not sell to either side. That meant a democratic government, a coalition of many parties, would be overthrown.
Many, but not enough, people saw that war as the prelude to World War II. This was where the German and Italian military could engage in real maneuvers, gaining experience for the invasions of Europe that were soon to follow.
There, in the city of Granada in Spain, was where the poet Garcia Lorca tried with his words to enlighten and rally the people against the Franco dictatorship. It was his words that the fascist government feared and so they finally stopped him from speaking.
In this dramatic and powerful film, Lorca (Andy Garcia) "disappears," taken in custody never to be seen again. Ricardo (Esai Morales) was a mere 14-years- old when he first met Garcia Lorca at a performance of a play by the poet. Lorca became his idol. When Ricardo's family moved to Puerto Rico, Ricardo became a journalist whose mission was to return to Spain and find out exactly who killed Lorca. The book he is writing about that event needs an ending.
Warned that the fascist government would harass him, or worse, if he goes back to Spain, as they had years ago beaten his father, he nevertheless is driven to return and solve the mystery of Garcia Lorca's last moments.
This is a fascinating film that shows the sinister government at work, routing people from their homes, arresting them and beating them. Unfortunately, it is still going on in too many countries around the world. Because people being what they are, trusted friends turn out to be unworthy. Friends spy on and reveal the whereabouts of those "wanted" by the government.
Many are the sub-stories, and love interest, that are scattered throughout the film. This production boasts a marvelous cast who help make it a must-see film. In addition to the gripping performances of those already mentioned, there is Maria Eugencia (Marcela Walerstien) who loves Ricardo; the taxi driver, (Giancarlo Giannini); Lozano (Edward James Olmos); Colonel Aguirre (Jeroen Krabbe); Centeno (Miguel Ferrer); Gabino, the bullfighter, (Emilio Munoz) who knows something about Lorca's last moments.
Tight, taut Direction by Marco Zurinaga.
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Copyright 1997 Ben Hoffman
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