Spanish cinema industry is superior to all other cinema industries on European Continent, and one can base such conclusion on the number of film makers who happen to be critics' darlings. While most of European countries can pride themselves with one or two internationally recognised film makers, Spain has many. One of them is J.J. Bigas Luna, who has brought attention to himself in 1992 with his sexy comedy Jámon Jámon. In that film the most recognisable face was Javier Bardem, an actor whose looks seem to embody all ideals of Spanish machismo. A year later Bigas Luna used Bardem for his next film, drama Golden Balls.
In the beginning we meet Benito Gonzalez (played by Bardem) as a recently discharged soldier who is determined to get wealth and fame. In doing so he would use his best natural talent - ability to please women with the skills of Latin lover. After investing his savings into construction business he dreams of building the greatest tower in the city - phallic symbol of his own power. In order to do so he manipulates his mistress and in the end decides to marry Marta (played by Maria de Medeiros), unattractive daughter of the wealthy local banker.
At times, Golden Balls is interesting to look at it, but most of the time it seems that Bigas Luna didn't exactly know what to do. There are plenty of interesting images in this film, mostly those that use erotic symbols, but the plot is weak and Golden Balls looks like one great advertising clip for Spanish tourism industry instead of feature film. However, good cast (that includes Maribel Verdu of latter Y tu mamá también fame) makes this film at least tolerable. But those who want to see Spanish cinema using all of its potential would have to watch some other films.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on January 17th 2003)
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