About Las Ninas (HBO)

"Las Ninas" (also known as "Schoolgirls") is a Spanish coming-of-age drama film released in 2021 and available on HBO. Set in the regressive epoch of the 1990s Spain, it portrays a compelling narrative of an 11-year-old girl whose sedate life takes a significant turn with the entry of a new classmate. Minimal yet profound, the story brings out the intricacies of adolescence and the dynamics of tradition versus transformation.

Making / Production

The movie is a remarkable creation of Pilar Palomero, who took the director's seat and wrote the screenplay. Fully embracing the receding wave of the 90s conservative Spain, the movie was captured meticulously ensuring every scene resonates the theme. The authentic visualization with minimalist and precise cinematography strategically adds to the story-telling.

Actors

• Andrea Fandos plays Celia, the 11-year old protagonist showcasing a nuanced performance reflecting a complex melange of innocence, curiosity, confusion, and longing.
• Natalia de Molina as Celia's mother; she embodies a typically restrained, yet conflicuously progressive woman of that time perfectly.
• Zoe Arnao portrays the enigmatic new classmate who is catalyst triggering transformation in Celia's world.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie is the directorial debut of Pilar Palomero.
• The film is a quite accurate portrayal of 90s Spain, much of it comes from Palomero's own childhood experiences.

Awards

The film was indeed a noteworthy production scoring several prestigious awards and nominations. It was awarded four Goya Awards in 2021 including Best Film, Best New Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography.

Quotes

• "We are who we choose to be, not who they want us to be."
• "Everyone has a battle to fight. We all have a voice."

Music and Soundtrack

• The movie featured a striking music score by Carlos Naya, prominently featuring various classical music pieces and contemporary Spanish tunes, which gives the film an authentic feel and ambiance of the era.