Javier Bardem shows an incredible range as the leader of a group of petty thieves,he is sexually exciting and aggressive...almost intoxicating in his presence,you believe he could seduce anyone into anything.He poses as the long lost son of Federico Lupi,the great Argentinan actor, and an incredible development in the story takes place as Javier begins to like his new life and the real son becomes a threatening menace.There are moments where you feel Lupi is having his doubts about Javier's identity yet continues to play along...this is the son he always wished he had...leading up to the very tragic climax.Incredible use of camera work to pull the story along as well as a clever use of the play,Life Is a Dream.It seems that Spain is consistently turning out Top Notch Directors...Theirs must be the best school in the world.
