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In the midst of summer sequels and other blockbusters
that make up for mindless entertainment, here comes a film that brings
reality to the big screen. While the dollars to see a film have gone
up recently, so has unemployment. More and more folks are being laid
off and can’t afford to take dates or family any film nowadays. The bootleg
market is thriving in these difficult times. But through this period,
folks still have their wits and friends to keep them happy until the
situation gets better. Nominated for an Oscar last year for best foreign
film and coming out now is “Mondays in the Sun”, a heartfelt story about
a group of guys whose friendship gives each a peace of mind while still
struggling to find work during hard times.
Set in the north of Spain, Santa (Bardem) is the “high spirit” amongst
a group of six unemployed shipyard workers. On the outside, he appears
to be cool about not working, while inside he craves for money as he’s
about to pay a heft fine for damaging a lamppost during the time he was
working and striking. Rico (Liment) uses all his severance on liquor
where he drinks it in the bar where the guys hang out. Too alone to go
home, the bar and his friends are his solace. With his friends lacking
the funds to see the soccer game at the stadium, Reina (Villem) is happy
to found a job as a night watchman on the field, where his status allows
the guys to see the game from a certain standpoint. Jose is totally depressed
over being unemployed. His laziness to look for other work is putting
a strain on his marriage, as his wife contemplates leaving him for her
sake. Lino (Egido) is the family man within the group. Too old to compete
for certain jobs and being rejected for lots of jobs, he resorts to dyeing
his hair and “borrowing” his son’s clothes to make his appearance look
more marketable. Each man has a tale to be told as their struggle to
find work takes its toll at certain points. But through it all, their
bond at the bar is what keeps them from being alone and helps them find
their wit, their patience, and hope that things will turn for the better. The winner of 5 Goya awards, Spain’s equivalent to the Oscars, Director
de Aranoa has done a splendid job in making this an enjoyable ensemble
film. Although Bardem is the biggest name in the film in regards to worldwide
recognition, he doesn’t hog the screen. Bardem, who put on some weight
for the film and grew a beard to look different, is clearly a presence
in the film. His performance is flawless as his character’s laid back
attitude towards life speaks to some of today’s common man. Each of the
other actors turned in fine performances. The look of the film with its
setting gave the film some realism. The music, mixed with Spanish guitars,
moves the story with its melancholy and ebullient tones. “Mondays in
the Sun” is a universal film where the common unemployed man or woman
can go and see that they are not alone in their plight. What they are
facing now is what others are going through as well. But with some hope,
and with a little bit of patience and with some friends or family to
keep the spirit up, the future looks bright. |
