Vengo (2001)

Synopsis: Celebrating the art of flamenco dancing and the culture from which it was born, VENGO is about a centuries-old dispute between two gypsy families in Andalusia, Spain. Separated into two groups of... Celebrating the art of flamenco dancing and the culture from which it was born, VENGO is about a centuries-old dispute between two gypsy families in Andalusia, Spain. Separated into two groups of constantly battling gangs, the families struggle to move beyond violence to overcome their misunderstandings. Between confrontations, a physically disabled young man, Diego (Orestes Villasan Rodriguez), who has a passion for flamenco music and dance, is entertained by his uncle, Caco (Antonio Canales). Caco, whose own daughter died young, treats Diego like a son. To nurture Diego's love of flamenco, Caco arranges for some of the top performers in the region to come give concerts. In an especially powerful scene, La Caita, a gypsy singer, wails her liberating anthems in a Seville restaurant. Tony Gatlif (LATCHO DROM, GADJO DILO) directs this culturally rich, soulful film, which uses the rapid tempo of flamenco percussion to express both happiness and pain. A jumping, unsteady camera, and an often blurry focus give VENGO a visually realistic, documentary feeling. Extreme close-ups draw viewers to the characters, while distanced shots of eclectic parties and performances push the viewer back away from the action reinforcing the awe and admiration that spectators enjoy. It is also interesting to note that the lead actor, Antonio Canales, who is an accomplished flamenco dancer in real life, does not dance in the film. [More]

Starring: Antonio Canales, Orestes Villasan Rodriguez, Antonio Perez Dechent, Bobote

Starring: Antonio Canales, Orestes Villasan Rodriguez, Antonio Perez Dechent, Bobote, Juan Luis Corrientes, Fernando Guerrero Rebollo, Francisco Chavero Rios, Jose Ramirez El Cheli, Juan-Luis Barrios Llorente

Director: Tony Gatlif

Director: Tony Gatlif
Screenwriter: David Trueba, Tony Gatlif
Studio: Cowboy Pictures

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