Los muertos van deprisa (2009) Reviews

• Burying the dead

  jotix1002012-01-27

  Irene, a truck driver is in Galicia looking for shellfish to bring to Germany, where she usually takes Spanish seafood products. She is told about a place nearby where the most famous delicacy of that region can be found. The only trouble is that in getting directions to the town, she is given the wrong way to turn, resulting in the truck getting stuck in a bridge because there is a large statue in the shape of one of the famous shellfish, straight ahead, that is blocking the way. As all this is happening, Filomeno, a local man, is informed about the death of his father. As he and his family gather in the home to prepare for the funeral, he is told about the truck has blocked the way in which to take the old man to the cemetery. The only solution is to dismount the famous statue, the symbol of the town, something Filomeno is reluctant to do since it was built by his father as a tribute to the delicacy that made the town famous. Irene, who can unhook the cab of her truck, must find a place where to stay while a solution is being found. She is told to go to the lighthouse where Venancia rents rooms to tourists in season. Filomeno's son has been seeing Venancia's daughter. Filomeno, in turn was much in love with the lighthouse lady, who has a fame of being a witch. The dead man's family gathers for a wake of three days since no one can decide how to finish the stalemate. Angel De La Cruz, the creator of the film, takes a look at an isolated spot of Galicia, in Spain, where time seems to have stood still. The old traditions, superstitions and prejudices, are examined in a film that has a lot to do with the character of the inhabitants of that area, in particular. The comedy also has a big surprise in store about a secret that ties the dead man to a wild past no one even suspected. Chete Lera is Filomeno and he has a good time playing this stubborn man. Neus Asensi is Irene, the truck driver at the center of the story. Belen Constenla is Venancia, the lighthouse operator. The wonderful Berta Ojea has some good moments as Maruxa. Jean-Paul Guimard is seen as the dead man, Candido.