The Crime of Cuenca
The Crime of Cuenca

Movie spotlight

The Crime of Cuenca

1981
Movie
89 min
Spanish

Osa de la Vega, Cuenca, Spain, 1913. Gregorio and León, employees on the estate of the village's mayor, a powerful landowner, are arrested and accused of the murder of José María el Cepa, a shepherd who mysteriously disappeared three years earlier.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Carlos SauraGenres: Drama, History, Crime

Plot Summary

Based on a true story from 1913, this film depicts the investigation into the murder of a wealthy landowner in Cuenca, Spain. As the authorities delve deeper, they uncover a complex web of deceit, infidelity, and social hypocrisy within the town's elite. The investigation itself becomes a reflection of the rigid social structures and moral decay of the time.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Crime of Cuenca' garnered significant attention for its sensitive portrayal of a controversial historical event and its critique of Spanish society. It was praised for Saura's masterful direction and the strong performances of its cast, though its explicit depiction of the case led to initial censorship issues in Spain.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric direction and exploration of social hypocrisy.

  • Lauded for strong performances, particularly from Alfredo Landa and Ana Belén.

  • Recognized for its daring depiction of a sensitive historical case.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and their sentiment is not readily available for this film.

Fun Fact

The film was initially banned by the Spanish government due to its controversial subject matter and was not widely released in Spain until after the death of dictator Francisco Franco and the subsequent transition to democracy.

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