Going to Spain? Watch this movie.
 

In preparation for a trip to another country, I like to watch movies that have been filmed there and highlight some historical or cultural aspect. An excellent one I just saw tonight is so thought-provoking, beautiful and touching....It's Spanish title is " La lingua de las Mariposas" and it's translated to "The Butterfly" or "The Butterfly's Tongue" in English, made in 1999 by Director Jose Luis Cuerda. It's viewed through the eyes of a 7 year old boy, but I guarantee it will bring tears to your eyes. I got it through Netflix. Although set before the Spanish Civil War, it's message, unfortunately, still rings true today.

La lengua de las mariposas can be translated as the Butterfly's Tongue but also as the more poetic "The Language of Butterflies."

It takes place in Galicia where Franco was born and the majority of the region supported Franco and still remains a conservative area.

IMDonehere, I was trying to find a movie set in the Basque region since that's where we're going, but this was as close a location as I could get. I'd like to see more by this director....so lyrical.

In Spanish.
https://vimeo.com/78442512

From one extreme to the other, there are films about Gernika (Guernica) to Biarritz, which is just over the Spanish border but part of the Basque country.

Watch "Eight Basque Names" (Ocho apellidos vascos). You'll love it!

ribeirasacra, the one I watched was in Spanish...they just gave it an English name.
The other movie I just got today, but haven't watched, is Secrets of The Heart by Montxo Armendariz.
IMDonehere, Next on my list is Guernica, then Priceless (set in Biarritz), then Flowers....
Robert, I can't get the Eight Basque Names from Netflix. I'll try other places too.

<I was trying to find a movie set in the Basque region since that's where we're going, but this was as close a location as I could get. I'd like to see more by this director....so lyrical.>

Fabulous Vacas/Cows: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacas

La Ardilla Roja (The red squirell, from San Sebastián and surroundings): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utf3fOgxSk4

Both by the same director, Julio Medem from San Sebastián. He also made the powerful and courageous documentary La Pelota Vasca/The Basque Ball: https://www.theguardian.com/film/200...lmfestival2003

Loved "La lingua de las Mariposas"...have it on DVD (and ripped to my hard drive), and we have watched it before our two previous trips to Spain and will do so again in the next few weeks, before heading to Barcelona. (Helps tune the ear.)

Two other Spanish films we watch before travel are:

Belle Epoque
Pantaleon y las Visitadores

Not Basque region films, but enjoyable light comedies.

ssander

a short Spanish film for you to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXWZ3uAEKsw

All the ones by director Julio Medem, and Belle Epoque and Pantaleon y Visitadoes are in my queue on Netflix..but they're in the Saved category and date of availability is unknown...so frustrating! I have seen Belle Epoque a long time ago though. It's quite difficult to get these Spanish films in the states.
Thanks for the youtube link, ribeirasacra...when I get a moment I will watch.

The most famous modern Spanish filmmaker is Pedro Almodóvar. A lot of his earlier film had a sameness to them about the nuveau tragically hip of Spain.

But Volver is a layered and excellent film that many think is partially a parable for the lingering effects of the Spanish Civil War. It takes place near Madrid, but offers insight into the Spanish psyche.

IMDonehere...

Good addition...I forgot about Volver.

ssander

Almodóvar films are not everyone's " cup of tea"
I have seen most of them, but a friend of mine walked out of " All about My Mother"
( Todo sobre mi madre)
and never wanted to see anotherone of his films.

I can only imagine what your friend would have done had they been subjected to "Women on the Verge..."

I liked. "Women on the Verge..

Young Antonio. Banderas....
.what's not to like !

-I can only imagine what your friend would have done had they been subjected to "Women on the Verge..."-

Or "Bad Education!"

I have never watched a movie in preparation of going to any country.

Would watching a movie that took place in America help someone who is coming to America? If anything, they are going to be disappointed.

Are none of these are good references for the USA? ;-)
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwor...-nation-151484
And none of these are good for Spain!
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/spain/books-movies

It is like these boards, anyone could be mislead by any one poster.