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 ... Read review
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...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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 M...
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item....
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Temporarily out of stock. Order now and we'll deliver when available. We'll e-mail you with an estimated delivery date as soon as we have more information. Your credit card will not be charged until we ship the item....
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 director Enrique Goded (Fele Martinez) and happily proclaims that he's actually Enrique's long-lost school chum Ignacio--an announcement that is both less than convincing and more than it seems. A novice actor, Ángel pitches a semi-autobiographical screenplay in which he's determined to star, a revenge-laden reflection of the doomed love he and Enrique shared as boys before a paedophile priest cruelly intervened. The script, and the lost days it recalls, carefully unfurls into a series of brooding movies-within-movies and memories-inside-memories, which allow the sensual, multiple-role-playing Bernal to give the performance of his young career--among other things, he makes a stunningly convincing drag queen--and Almodóvar the opportunity to suggest, movingly, that people will pay any price to ensure that their stories are told.-- Steve Wiecking
Postage & Packaging:free Super Saver Delivery Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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
Advantages: Great story, Brilliant acting - another classic from Almodovar Disadvantages: None worth mentioning
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”. ... ...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
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.
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 ...
Cristina.M 06.05.2008
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Bad Education (DVD)
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.
...
chartown 12.05.2005
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Bad Education (DVD)
Did you enjoy it?
Story
Characters / Performances
Special Effects
How does it compare to ...
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Bad Education (DVD)"
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 ...
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 ...
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
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
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.
Compare Bad Education (DVD) to other similar Drama »