Spanish film about the criminal business The name "Agallas" is not quite accurate. The film would be more suited to the translated name "Gentiles" as more symbolic. I will not take to judge what associations with the title of the Spanish-speaking audience of the film; the Russian-speaking audience will have them in the range from naturalistic (intestines, intestines and its contents - waste, waste, dirt) to the actual language, associated primarily with the saying "intestine tonka". All these associations fit the plot and atmosphere of the picture. The Russian proverb aptly characterizes one of the central characters of the Intestine.
The plot includes two lines, according to the number of main characters. The first takes the main time of the picture, is built according to the classical scheme: the young man seeks to break into the chosen society. In this case - in the inner circle of an entrepreneur whose official business - fishing - is supplemented by income from the criminal business. As this line fades, another one unfolds - it is connected with the plans of this fish and drug dealer.
Characters. All the characters in the film are very unpleasant. Six of them:
- a young thief Sebas (played by Hugo Silva), just released from prison and by all means breaking into the environment of the rich Regeira;
- Regeira (Carmelo Gomez), owner of legal and criminal business;
- Isolina, daughter of Regheira (Rula Blanco)
Regeira’s people are an assistant (Carlos Sante), an old servant (Celso Bugallo) and a future son-in-law (Thomas Lijo).
The negativity of each of these characters is expressed not only by their actions, it can be further emphasized by unpleasant appearance or participation in scenes unpleasant to the eyes.
Acting. In this film shone Hugo Silva and Carmelo Gomez. The first shows the variety of emotional states of his character, who, despite the outward transformation from a dirty ragman with broken front teeth into a well-groomed pinch, remains a scoundrel, the killer of his benefactor. We see Sebas chickened out, slavish, self-confident, vindictive, brazen - and there is no overplay anywhere. Carmeo Gomez shows a more emotionally stable character, but outwardly respectable, not showing vivid emotions Regair is the same cynical killer, ready to do anything for profit, like Sebas.
Sebas and Rigueira are similar not only in that they are both smart, calculating and unscrupulous killers, but also in that each of them underestimated the situation in which he found himself. And I paid for it. Here again the Russian proverb is recalled: simplicity is sufficient for every wise man.
It is impossible not to note the work of the performer of the role of Isolina. With significantly less screen time, she showed a daughter who was like a dad: selfish, smart, learned to use people and throw them away and not idealizing herself either externally or internally.
These three images are created by actors without deep immersion in the inner world of the characters, large strokes, figuratively speaking. Nothing should overshadow or justify the behavior of these characters. But no matter how unpleasant they are, they are played as bad but alive people. The secondary characters of The Intestine are less realistic and more schematic. Their task is to convey a certain type: a self-confident servant, a faithful dog and an unloved groom.
The filmmakers were no doubt inspired by the American 9 Yards, as there are several direct borrowings from this film in The Intestines, which reduces the originality of the story. The plot canvas is simple, the only unexpected turn awaits the viewer only in the final. And this turn is a justification for the narrative of the unscrupulous masters of life.
Interesting fact. The film contains the song "Agallas vs. Escamas" performed by Hugo Silva, which was presented at the national film award of Spain Goya in 2010 in the nomination "best song" (but did not receive the award).
If you are interested in films about the world of crime and want to see the Spanish view on this topic, find borrowings from “9 yards”, appreciate the role that Hugo Silva fought for and received after three years in the form of handsome and heartthrob Lucas from the series “People of Paco”, watch “The Intestine”.
8 out of 10