Las Ninas (Schoolgirls) (Eng Sub)

About Las Ninas (Schoolgirls)

"Las Ninas" or Schoolgirls (originally "Las Niñas") is a Spanish drama movie released in 2021. The film is set in the 90's and follows the life of Celia, an 11-year-old girl studying in a nun-run school in Zaragoza. The story captures her life as she and her friends discover the world outside their insulated bubble, navigating the ups and downs of puberty.

Making / Production

The movie was directed and written by Pilar Palomero. It’s a semi-autobiographical account, a touching retrospective of the director's own experiences in an all-girl Catholic school in the early '90s Spain. The production features a gritty picturesque, the elements of nostalgia that light up the screen.

Actors

• Andrea Fandos as Celia: Andrea delivered an excellent performance, portraying the curiosity and innocence of a young girl with impressive naturalism.
• Natalia de Molina as Adela: Natalia brilliantly portrayed Adela, Celia's rebellious but caring mother, perfectly balancing the role's savviness and sensitivity.
• Zoe Arnao as Brisa: Zoe, playing the new rebellious girl in town, brought a distinct dynamism to the film's plot.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is set in the 90's, which is reflected in the attire, language and behavior of the characters.
• The director's personal experiences in Catholic school were significant influences in the making of this film.
• The movie speaks to the socio-cultural changes taking place in Spain during the 90's.

Awards

Las Ninas (Schoolgirls) has achieved critical acclaim, winning the Goya Award for Best Film along with other laurels, such as Best New Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. It was also selected as the Spanish entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "There's nothing that girls can't do." - Celia
• "We must break the glass ceiling ourselves." - Adela
• "Freedom doesn't come with age, but with understanding." - Brisa

Music, Soundtrack

• The film misses out on conventional song sequences to keep the authenticity, however, the background score by Carlos Naya keeps the audience engaged.
• The sound design subtly incorporates '90s pop culture tunes to emphasize the era.