Finding Altamira
Finding Altamira

Finding Altamira

2016Movie97 minEnglish

The story of nine-year old Maria and her father Marcelino who, in 1879, found the first pre-historic cave paintings at the now world famous Altamira cave.

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IMDb6.1/10
Google Users60%
Director: Hugh HudsonGenres: Drama, History

Plot Summary

In 1879, Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, a Spanish nobleman and amateur archaeologist, discovers cave paintings in Altamira, Spain, with the help of his young daughter, Maria. Initially hailed as a groundbreaking find, the authenticity of the prehistoric art is soon questioned by the scientific community, leading to Sautuola's ostracization and the suppression of his discovery.

Critical Reception

Finding Altamira received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its historical subject matter and Antonio Banderas's performance, many found the film to be overly sentimental and lacking in dramatic depth. The pacing was also a point of contention, with some critics finding it too slow.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its noble intentions and focus on a significant historical discovery.
  • Criticized for a lack of emotional impact and a formulaic narrative.
  • Antonio Banderas's performance is often highlighted as a strong point.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate a mixed reception, with many appreciating the film's subject matter and Banderas's performance. However, a significant portion of viewers found the movie to be somewhat slow-paced and less engaging than expected.

Fun Fact

The discovery of the Altamira cave paintings was initially met with skepticism by the scientific community, who accused Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola of forgery, a fate that is central to the film's dramatic conflict.

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