Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Pedro Almodovar - Original Language: Spanish - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Fele Martinez, Daniel Gimenez Cacho more
A young man, Enrique (played by Fele Martinez) is working as a film director. He is visited by a childhood friend Ignacio Rodriguez (played by Gael Garcia Bernal), who is looking... more
Bad Education [DVD] [2004]
Writer/director Pedro Almodóvar's dark, sexy Hitchcock homage is his best work since his ... more
Oscar-winningAll About My Mother, and deepened by a sun-dappled sadness. Handsome, enigmatic Ángel (Gael García Bernal) arrives at the Spanish movie offices of dir...
Bad Education [DVD] [2004]
Writer/director Pedro Almodóvar's dark, sexy Hitchcock homage is his best work since his ... more
Oscar-winningAll About My Mother, and deepened by a sun-dappled sadness. Handsome, enigmatic Ángel (Gael García Bernal) arrives at the Spanish movie offices of dir...
Bad Education
Academy Award winning filmmaker Pedro Almodovar takes a look at his own adolescence as ... more
well as confronting the issue of sexual misconduct in the Catholic Church in this stylish thriller, which was chosen to open the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.In 1980s Madrid two young men, filmmaker Ignacio (Fele Martinez, Talk To Her) and aspiring actor Enrique (Gael Garcia Bernal, Motorcycle Diaries, Y Tu Mama Tambien) open up dark secrets as they revisit their early years together at a Catholic school.As they try to uncover the truth about themselves, each other and the diverse characters in their story, they realise that things and people are not as they first seem.
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Production Year: 1981 - Drama - Director: Franco Zeffirelli - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Brooke Shields, Martin Hewitt, Shirley Knight, Don Murray, Richard Kiley, Penelope Milford, Beatrice Straight
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
A review by buzios on Bad Education (DVD) March 23rd, 2005
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Outstanding
Characters / Performances
Outstanding
Special Effects
Good
How does it compare to similar films?
Outstanding
Advantages:
Great story, Brilliant acting - another classic from Almodovar
Disadvantages:
None worth mentioning
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Bad Education (or La Mala Educación) is the latest film (released 2004) from the great Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. Anyone who has an interest in Spanish cinema will know Almodóvar as the director of such excellent films as “Talk to Her” and “All About My Mother”. Bad Education stars Gael Garcia Bernal, the Mexican heart-throb who has appeared in a whole list of films, not least “The Motorcycle Diaries”, “Amores Perros” and “Y tu Mamá También”. The film is subtitled, so if you can’t handle that then read no further (but you are missing such a lot).
**** Plot Summary ****
In 1980 Madrid Enrique Goded (Fele Martinez) is a young successful film director searching newspapers for an idea for a story for a new film. The doorbell rings and a bearded young man enters claiming to be Enrique’s old school friend Ignacio Rodriguez, however he now wants to be known by his acting name “Angel Andrade”. Angel (Gael Garcia Bernal) announces that he has written a story called “The Visit” based on their schooldays but with a different ending and he would like Enrique to consider making the story into a film. Angel then leaves.
In “The Visit” there are three main characters, Ignacio, Enrique and the school principal Father Manolo. The three meet years later when they are adults. Enrique has become a frustrated family man, Father Manolo is no longer a priest and Ignacio has become Zahara, a drug addict transvestite. In the story the encounter ends tragically.
Enrique reads the story with interest and is especially moved by the part about their childhood which describes the love between the two boys and also of Father Manolo’s obsession with Ignacio. Father Manolo has Enrique expelled from the school to remove the competition.
Enrique and Angel meet again and Enrique tells him that he is very interested in the story and would like to make it into a film. Angel agrees as long as he can play the main role of Zahara. But Enrique thinks that Angel is too masculine for the role. On their next meeting Angel has shaved off his beard and slimmed down and announces that he has been frequenting gay bars to study transvestites for the role. Reluctantly Enrique agrees to allow Angel to play the part.
The story (and the story within a story) then twists and turns and interweaves in a multitude ways that will leave your mind spinning – but I can reveal no more here without ruining the fabulous script.
**** Opinion ****
This is classic Almodóvar at his best. Like many of his past films there are tremendous characters, a complex and intelligent storyline, superb cinematography and more than a little sex. However, unlike previous films which have largely concentrated on female roles (albeit transvestites in some cases) this film revolves totally around male characters.
At first the storyline may appear a little confusing as it can be difficult to tell the fiction (the inner story) from fact (the actual story) but this all comes together beautifully and you are left without any doubts by the end. The way that the two stories interweave is nothing short of genius.
The style of the film varies and owes itself to many influences. From the French style romanticism of the school flashbacks through farce, tragedy and comedy to dark film noir. Almodóvar’s trademark use of colour and imaginative shots are all present too.
On first impressions the implied child abuse by Father Manolo may seem to be stepping into controversial areas but this aspect is dealt with tactfully. There may be an underlying suggestion that the abuse led to Ignacio’s problems in later life but not his sexuality. A scene in a cinema with the two boys confirms their gay tendencies even before any influence by Father Manolo.
One of the highlights of the film is the performance by Gael Garcia Bernal who had to learn a Spanish accent for the part. He plays several very different roles with great skill and sensitivity which confirms him as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Unlike his Hollywood counterparts he demonstrates that you can be both a film idol and a great actor. His professionalism is demonstrated by his handling of the gay sex scenes that he is required to do. Fele Martinez is also excellent as Enrique. Also look out for “Talk to Her” star Javier Cámara as Zahara’s transvestite friend.
All this is topped off with a superb score by Alberto Iglesias.
**** Summary ****
I am not sure that Bad Education is quite as good as “All About My Mother” or “Talk to Her” but it is still superb. I would highly recommend it to anybody who likes classic cinema with strong involving storylines and brilliant acting. Only homophobes and the internationally challenged need steer clear.
Rated 15/ R for strong sexual content throughout, language and some drug use.
Official site : www.lamalaeducacion.com
More Reviews
Bad Education Review ofBad Education (DVD)by
Cristina.M
Advantages: Amazing storyline Disadvantages: in Spanish with subtitles (although that is an upside to some)
This is an amazing film, maybe one of the best by the great director Pedro Almodovar. Gael Garcia Bernal's performance is outstanding. The film is funny yet dark and takes you on a great cinematic journey. The story is amazing and you will not be satisfied until you see the end. Although the film deals with many serious issues such as drugs and child abuse, Almodovar is able to being comedy to the whole recipe. The film is in the original Spanish ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Great plot, great twist, great story Disadvantages: Subtitiled
Bad education is a story about two boys in a covent like school, who fall in love, the problem is the headmaster is in love with one of these boys, who is about 10!!!!
The story is very touching and quite biazzare in the sense that the headmaster was actualy in love with this boy and did his best to part them.
The boys are parted, with their faith in the world destoryed after the abuse they suffered. As a result one turns into a drag queen.
They ... ...lives, but creating this movie unearths some very harsh truths.
It is an interesting film, great twists!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you have the patients for subtitles, it is very humorous and surprising at times. It can be very graphic.
The ending is slightly weak, but leaves you fulfilled.
Some great proformances.
Overall I found the movie interesting and believable, I will definately watch out for the director and the actors for up and coming movies.
...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Witty and Insightful Drama Disadvantages: Certainly not for subtitle-o-phobes!
...This collection of Almodovar's work is the most complete currently available and includes recent work such as BadEducation. Pedro Almodovar's work is mainly in Spanish, and although well subtitled, is very fast-moving and would not be suitable for non-Spanish speakers who dislike or are unaccustomed to subtitles. His subject matter is often very challenging, and would not be suitable for those who are uncomfortable with themes exploring gender, sexual relations, the psychology of violence, suppression or sex, or questioning of the (Catholic) church.
For those, however, who are comfortable with exploring these difficult themes, Almodovar offers a casket of wonders, with his witty and insightful blend of drama: juxtaposing the fantastical with the vulgar. He keenly picks apart the complicated psyche of those who become social outcasts...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Adults end up loving it too! Disadvantages: Not all festive
...with your children as you get drawn into the fun as well.
EDUCATIONAL VALUE
We all worry that too much television is bad for our children, though if you want an educationalDVD with practical fun added to it then this is the one for you. Not only will your child sing and dance to the songs, they will also want to cook the food seen on the episodes after bringing in a whole new practical aspect of learning. Each episode as mentioned above also has a ?real life? aspect where Small takes a journey into the real world to find out such things as how certain food are made, how it is grown, the process of making things etc.
So yes, as far as educational value goes, this DVD is great.
QUALITY
The quality of the DVD as a whole is great, with colourful episodes and great sounds from both characters and special sound effects.
FINAL WORD
Do I...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Plot: A young man, Enrique (played by Fele Martinez) is working as a film director. He is visited by a childhood friend Ignacio Rodriguez (played by Gael Garcia Bernal), who is looking for work. Before he leaves Ignacio gives Enrique a book that he has written called 'The Visit'. The story centres around the lives of two young boys who attend a Catholic School.
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): PATHE DISTRIBUTION; 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Release date: 27/12/2004
No of Discs: 1
Catalogue No: P 9146 DVD
Barcode: 5060002833179
Languages
Main Language: Spanish
Subtitle Language: English
Hearing Impaired Language: English
DVD Description
A young man, Enrique (played by Fele Martinez) is working as a film director. He is visited by a childhood friend Ignacio Rodriguez (played by Gael Garcia Bernal), who is looking for work. Before he leaves Ignacio gives Enrique a book that he has written called 'The Visit'. The story centres around the lives of two young boys who attend a Catholic School. Enrique decides to make a film based on the book which is set to resurrect his own childhood. The film visits three time periods. The past features the Catholic School where two young boys come of age and begin to have feelings for one another and the influence their teacher has on their lives, priest Father Manolo (played by Daniel Gimenez Cacho). The director Pedro Almodovar weaves the story through the 70s and 80s, and pre and post-Franco Spain. A compelling drama.
Technical information
Special Features: Teaser Trailer, Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots, Making Of Montage, Photo Gallery, Interview With Pedro Almodovar, Press Book, Deleted Scenes
Aspect Ratio: 2.35 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Spanish
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Listed on Ciao since : 23/03/2005
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