Matador DVD, 1986

A stylish and stylised melodrama set in the world of bull-fighting. Diego Montes runs a bullfighting school and is sexually excited by the sight of eroticized violence. His pupil Angel is mother-fixated, repressed and faints at the sight of blood. Brought in to defend Angel on a charge of murder, lawyer María, admires Diego from afar. Her sport is seducing men whom she then kills, matador-style, by placing her hairpin in the nape of the neck. Diego and María seem made for one another and sooner or later they must come together in an explosive climax.

This production is psychologically very Spanish. A must for all film buffs. Beautiful camera angles that rivet one to the bitter end. Full of twists and turns that kee... more >

This production is psychologically very Spanish. A must for all film buffs. Beautiful camera angles that rivet one to the bitter end. Full of twists and turns that keep the final secret to the end credits. Starring a very young Banderas, surrounded by a cast of beautiful people badly damaged with mental and emotional problems that are truly frightening. A second viewing helps towards comprehending the plot. Anti-bullfighting lobbyists should not be put off - no bulls are killed, only people. < less

View all 3 of Bill Butcher’s reviews

Leading Spanish heart-throb stars in this adult drama set in the world of bullfighting. Assumpta Serna is fascinating as the murderous lawyer, Diego Martinez is super... more >

Leading Spanish heart-throb stars in this adult drama set in the world of bullfighting. Assumpta Serna is fascinating as the murderous lawyer, Diego Martinez is superb as the crippled ex-bullfighter and Antonio Banderas is absolutely convincing as the repressed, mother fixated trainee bullfighter who is really scared of bulls. Standard Almodovar fare with cinematic invention more than making up for the sub-Neighbours plot. < less

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