- Genre
- Animation
- Year
- 1950
- Runtime
- 1h09
0
Once Upon a Time
A timeless tale of love and hope in post-war Spain.
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Synopsis
"Once Upon a Time" (Érase una vez...) is a 1950 Spanish romantic drama directed by Juan Antonio Bardem, featuring Juan Aristi Eulate in a pivotal role. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain, the film weaves a poignant narrative about love, hope, and resilience. It follows the intertwined lives of characters struggling with personal and social upheavals, capturing their emotional turmoil with subtlety and depth. The movie is noted for its atmospheric black-and-white cinematography and its reflective storytelling, which delves into themes of human fragility and redemption without resorting to melodrama. It offers both a period piece and a universal exploration of human connections, making it a significant work in Spanish cinema of its time.
Cast
Reviews
"Once Upon a Time" holds a modest IMDb rating of 6.5/10, reflecting a mixed but generally favorable reception. Critics have praised the film for its earnest performances and atmospheric direction. As noted on IMDb, audiences appreciate the film’s nostalgic portrayal of post-war Spain and its thoughtful character studies. However, some reviewers point out that the pacing may feel slow to modern viewers and that the narrative occasionally lacks the dynamism seen in Bardem’s later works. Unfortunately, the film is less documented on major English-language review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, which limits widespread critical consensus. Nonetheless, cinephiles and scholars recognize the film’s historical and cultural significance, commending its earnest storytelling and aesthetic qualities. In summary, the film is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of emotional complexity and social realities, though it may appeal more to enthusiasts of classic European cinema rather than mainstream audiences seeking fast-paced drama.
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