The Spirit Of The Beehive

Victor Erice's film The Spirit Of The Beehive (1973) is often regarded as one of the best Spanish films of all-time. It is also heralded as one of the best films about children. The performances form the two young girls playing sisters are remarkable. And that is the most powerful aspect of the film, but it is also to be said to be a political allegory since it was made after the end of Franco's military dictatorship. There's a great set piece about a traveling cinema that shows the James Wale Frankenstein from 1931 starring Boris Karlof. That experience becomes something of a touchstone for the young Ana (Ana Torrent). There is some excellent cinematography from cinematographer Luis Cuadrado that gives the film a distinctive look as well.