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No consensus yet.
All Critics (11) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (1) | DVD (3)
Mana gives us compelling, damaged characters who we want to help -- or hurt. Dec 13, 2002 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Mana gives us compelling, damaged characters who we want to help -- or hurt.
Robert K. Elder
Never [sinks] into exploitation. Dec 13, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Never [sinks] into exploitation.
V.A. Musetto
At once subtle and visceral, the film never succumbs to the trap of the maudlin or tearful, offering instead with its unflinching gaze a measure of faith in the future. Dec 10, 2002 | Full Review…
At once subtle and visceral, the film never succumbs to the trap of the maudlin or tearful, offering instead with its unflinching gaze a measure of faith in the future.
Leslie Camhi
As blunt as it is in depicting child abuse, El Bola is a movie steeped in an ambiguity that lends its conflicts a symbolic resonance. Dec 10, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
As blunt as it is in depicting child abuse, El Bola is a movie steeped in an ambiguity that lends its conflicts a symbolic resonance.
Stephen Holden
Deliberately and skillfully uses ambiguity to suggest possibilities which imbue the theme with added depth and resonance. Apr 9, 2003
Deliberately and skillfully uses ambiguity to suggest possibilities which imbue the theme with added depth and resonance.
Arthur Lazere
A simple, but gritty and well-acted ensemble drama that encompasses a potent metaphor for a country still dealing with its fascist past. Feb 2, 2003 | Full Review…
A simple, but gritty and well-acted ensemble drama that encompasses a potent metaphor for a country still dealing with its fascist past.
Josh Ralske
An exceptional film. Jan 21, 2003 | Full Review…
An exceptional film.
Maria Garcia
Though uniformly well acted, especially by young Ballesta and Galan (a first-time actor), writer/director Achero Manas's film is schematic and obvious. Dec 13, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/5
Though uniformly well acted, especially by young Ballesta and Galan (a first-time actor), writer/director Achero Manas's film is schematic and obvious.
Maitland McDonagh
Although largely a heavy-handed indictment of parental failings ... the film retains ambiguities that make it well worth watching Dec 12, 2002 | Rating: B- | Full Review…
Although largely a heavy-handed indictment of parental failings ... the film retains ambiguities that make it well worth watching
John A. Nesbit
Not employing gimmicks or tipping off the nightmare to be faced,'El Bola' draws us in. Dec 10, 2002 | Full Review…
Not employing gimmicks or tipping off the nightmare to be faced,'El Bola' draws us in.
Donald J. Levit
Children abuse was never an easy topic to get into when telling a story due to the fact its a very sensitive issue to show on screen.Spanish director Achero Mañas movie EL BOLA, winners of the 2001 Goya Awards, showed here the issue of child abuse, and how okay it was that the father imposed his power over his family, because he was the breadwinner and he was always right. This movie showed growing up, friendship, despair and hope. The game the boys played at the train tracks came over as a death wish, because their lives were miserable.Alfredo the newcomer who had a normal life found the game stupid and refused to play.This was a difference with the other children,because he was raised by loving parents.Acting was perfect and cinematography was amazing. Pablo was really good in his role. I wondered how the ending would be, and it was perfect.
Super Reviewer
Reminiscent of The 400 Blows, this is a powerful story about child abuse and the positive impact of friendship. Achero Mañas coaxes exceptional performances from his young actors. A sad but effective film.
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