Lena
Set in Galicia in northwest Spain - an area famed for its beauty and smuggling - this film shows a once-thriving fishing and shipbuilding culture fallen on hard times. Feisty, street smart Lena, 18, lives in semi-penury with her hard-drinking slob of a father, Gorrión, and hopes to escape by getting a grant to study in Portugal. Gorrion is mixed up with local drug-smuggling mafiosi, that includes Lena's godfather, Gitano, their Portugese Cachero, and the strong, silent Milio. One day, Lena returns from her job to find Gorrion badly beaten up: The gang had accused him of stealing. Lena visits the gangsters and offers to help pay off her father's debt by working for them. After Gorrion forgets to deliver Lena's grant papers, a fragile emotional bond develops between Lena and Milio. When they set off to Portugal to do a job, events start to ramble.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during the World War II occupation of Denmark, the film follows Lena, a young Jewish woman, as she attempts to flee the country with her family. Facing constant danger and betrayal, Lena must rely on her courage and the kindness of strangers to survive the perilous journey. The story highlights the resilience of the human spirit amidst the horrors of war.
Critical Reception
Lena received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its emotional impact and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Sofie Gråbøl. Some reviews noted its slow pace and conventional storytelling, but generally acknowledged its effective portrayal of a difficult historical period.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its poignant depiction of a Jewish family's struggle for survival during WWII.
- Sofie Gråbøl's performance as Lena was frequently singled out for its emotional depth.
- Some viewers found the narrative somewhat predictable, but its historical context was compelling.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available generally commend the film for its moving story and historical relevance.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the true story of a Jewish woman's escape from Nazi-occupied Denmark.
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