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A miraculous, multi-generational film that wildly weaves three interconnected lives of gay men through eras of 1932, 1937, 2017 in Spain. Directed by Javier Calvo and Javiar Ambrossi it is catastrophically choreographed, poignantly profound, revelatory in its sadness, heartbreaking in the hubris of men not given a choice in their proclivities. Commencing with “Carlos” (Milo Quifes) a man with an exquisite countenance, is “blackballed” from a gentleman’s club because of his homosexuality.
In 1937 “Sebastian” (Guitarricadelafunte) a trumpeter whose village is bombed by Italian forces, conscripted into the Nationalist army, he is assigned to guard a captured “Rafel Rodriguez Rapun” (Miguel Bernardeau); their relationship and the depths of its power cements the unquietness and exquisite beauty of this film. A film focusing on writer Federico Garcia Lorca (1898-1936) whose unfinished play “La Bola Negra”; his gritty, biographical scenarios were deemed too political, homosexual and intellectual; “Sonnets of Dark Love”, “Gypsy Ballads”, his aching spirit screamed “to burn with desire and keep quiet about it is the greatest punishment we can bring on ourselves.”
The trilogy and its unanswered questions are resolved in 2017 when “Alberto” (Carlos Gonzalez) a playwright receives a bequest from his estranged grandfather, a manuscript, resonating with Lorca’s distinct handwriting. Glenn Close navigates the language and subtleties of a historian intimately involved in Lorca’s legacy. As does Penelope Cruz as singer, “Nene Romero”, a dazzling portrait of a singer/dancer unparalleled.
“La Bola Negra” exceeds in illuminating times unexplored opening vistas of radiance, brilliance and transcendence .
FIVE STARS !!!!!
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