Review of Éxtasis

Éxtasis (1996)
7/10
Engaging and exciting drama/thriller about some unfortunate characters played by first-range Spanish actors
25 September 2023
Dramatic and tense film about a motley and impoverished trio whose things are not going very well and need urgently to get out of their black hole and and they then are planning to steal to their relatives to get money. Three friends, two young men and a young woman, are tired by the normal world of their parents and want to escape in order to begin living somewhere else. Thus, Robert (Javier Bardem), Max (Daniel Guzmán) and Ona (Leyre Berrocal) make a pervert plan: steal their own families. After that they flee without any destination and without having really schemed where to go to. Rober, a 25-year-old young man, is an ambitious rebel and enemy of the official world, as he's anxious, almost desperate, and he doesn't know why. In Madrid the victim is Daniel (Federico Luppi) , father of Max, a prestigious stage director who lives a stormy relationship with Lola (Silvia Munt), an eccentric and riveting actress. Daniel is a resounding achiever, self-confident, an artist obsessed by the unknown, the impenetrable. So Rober impersonates his friend Max's personality to pose as Daniel's strange son.

This interesting picture results to be an intense drama stars Javier Bardem as a rebellious young who shares his life with Ona and Max, to achieve their dreams, the three develop a twisted plan: rob their respective families and escape aimlessly. It is a drama about deeply troubled roles, being developed in ups and downs, but the film actually focuses on the encounter and later head-on collision between Robert and Daniel, it is a clash between two forces of nature. A necessary clash for both because each one is the mirror of the other. The clash between someone who wants everything because he is empty (Rober) and someone who is empty and has everything (Daniel). But then things go wrong when Daniel and Lola invite Rober to share a life of glamour and success, as the game turns out to be very dangerous, removing the jealousy of his two friends who consider that Robert has broken his promises and commitments to them, resulting in fateful consequences.

This thriller contains intrigue , intense drama, a little bit of action and violence. Casting is frankly excellent , it is formed by an all-star-Spanish-cast as Javier Bardem, Daniel Guzmán, Leyre Berrocal, and special mention for veterans Federico Luppi and Silvia Munt. The picture is compellingly paced, but improbable events and surprising situations happen with no much sense, though it has some good moments here and there. It contains atmospheric and thrilling musical score by Bingen Mendizabal. As well as colorful and adequate cinematography by Flavio Martínez Labiano. The motion picture was well directed by Mariano Barroso. He has directed various films with similar players and with moderated success, such as: ¨Mi hermano del alma (My soul brother)¨ at his best, ¨Extasis¨ with Javier Bardem, ¨Kasbah¨ with Ernest Alterio and Jose Sancho , ¨Hormigas en la boca (Ants in the mouth)¨ with Eduard Fernandez y ¨Lobos de Washington¨ with Ernesto Alterio, Eduardo Fernandez and again Javier Bardem. Rating : 6,5. Acceptable and passable thriller with great interpretations. The movie will appeal to Javier Bardem fans. It's an entertaining film with some enjoyable moments, and for Bardem enthusiasts.
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