The film ranges from wacky and hilarious to downright romantic, yet Berger manages to shift tone smoothly and expertly. He's aided by top performances from his leads.
Torremolinos 73 (2005)
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Reviews Counted:39
Fresh:28
Rotten:11
Average Rating:6.4/10
Consensus: A light tale that's big on heart, this spicy snapshot of domestic sexuality in '70s Spain treats its wacky protagonists with enough gentle humanity to be delightfully entertaining.
Theatrical Release:Apr 15, 2005 Limited
Synopsis: "Torremolinos 73" is a dramatic comedy set in Franco's puritanical Spain of the early 1970s. The film tells the story of an encyclopedia salesman named Alfredo Lopez and his lovely wife... "Torremolinos 73" is a dramatic comedy set in Franco's puritanical Spain of the early 1970s. The film tells the story of an encyclopedia salesman named Alfredo Lopez and his lovely wife Carmen. One day Alfredo's boss at Montoya Publishers makes a unique proposition that will change their lives forever. He asks them to make their own amateur Super 8 erotic movies, which will be distributed as part of a phony "Danish World Encyclopedia of Reproduction." At first they're shocked, but they decide to be part of this "experiment" – the films will only be sold in Scandinavia, Carmen wants to have a baby, and they badly need the money anyway. Their walk on the wild side begins with an intensive course at a tacky motel, where they learn how to make these "scientific" movies on both sides of the camera. Much to their surprise, the movies soon become runaway hits. Alfredo discovers his passion for filmmaking, and Carmen becomes a "domestic porno star" in Scandinavia. Everything falls into place, and they begin to enjoy the fruits of their success. There's only one problem. Carmen can't get pregnant, although Alfredo tries very hard, and the tension between the artist and his muse grows. Inspired by Ingmar Bergman, Alfredo embarks on his dream project – an artistic feature film called "Torremolinos 73." His boss agrees to produce it, and with a full crew of Danish actors and technicians, Alfredo and Carmen head to a wintry Torremolinos for their date with destiny. Once there, our lovable heroes discover that not all that glitters is gold, and a surprising ending resolves our story. -- ©First Run Features [More]
Starring: Javier Camara, Candela Peña
Starring: Javier Camara, Candela Peña
Director: Pablo Berger
Director: Pablo Berger
Studio: First Run Features
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Reviews for Torremolinos 73
As a first feature-length effort for Berger, Torremolinos 73 shows promise of a director with a humane touch, with or without the extra skin.
Torremolinos isn't perfect, but it stands as an amusing entry into the world of art-house cinema.
Raunchy without ever devolving into flat-out prurience, Berger's oddly sweet comedy perfectly captures the naivete of the era and the unexpected wholesomeness of some of its adult entertainment.
Torremolinos 73 has the dubious distinction of being just about the mildest porno comedy ever made. It's like something the teenage Pedro Almodóvar might have written to shock his 10th-grade creative writing teacher.
Far too much of Torremolinos is devoted to Alfredo's dream project, a dingy, black-and-white, Ingmar Bergman-influenced movie in which a woman waltzes with Death.
Somewhat wacky tale, based on real events, is kept anchored in reality through attention to detail and by first-rate central perfs.
A small, honest comedy about passion, movies and love, so human that it leaves a bittersweet aftertaste that may soften the laughter and provoke some reflection.
...sweet and enjoyable, albeit as slender and forgettable as they come.
Torremolinos 73 is a positively groovy reflection of an era - and the excellent Camera suggests at times he could become another Peter Sellers.
The picture rarely delves into how personally (perhaps even politically) revolutionary the couple’s new life has become, making its subject matter more lackluster than it has any right to be.
It works, but just barely (no pun intended, considering all the nudity).
Writer/director Pablo Berger has crafted a thoroughly winning and surprisingly thought-provoking story.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 49% 49% | Taking Woodstock |
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| 47% 47% | The Girl From Monaco |
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