Basque Ball

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Film Description

Aka Pelota vasca: La piel contra la piedra (The skin against the stone). Thought-provoking and controversial documentary about the Basque conflict and identity from one of Spain's foremost filmmakers, who calls it 'an invitation to a discussion'.

Film Information

DVD Extras

Audio commentary from Spanish cinema expert Robert Stone and journalist Paddy Woodworth; Julio Medem trailer reel; Dolby & DTS Surround; Booklet with film notes.

Technical Details

Reviews & Articles

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Review by Barry Forshaw on 2nd August 2004

A fascinating picture of one of Europe’s most remarkable regions, with its mix of ancient cultural identity and unceasing political violence. Julio Medem made his mark with the much-acclaimed Sex and Lucia (not to mention the award-winning The Red Squirrel) , and is the perfect guide to the contradictory intricacies of the region. In Basque Ball, Medem has produced not only the largest-grossing Spanish documentary film ever made, but has taken a scalpel to the mindset behind the political reality. This always fascinating and provocative film explores the unique language and long-held traditions of the Basque region’s ancient mores, and the bloodshed perpetuate by the implacable separatists. Sporting a mélange of archive footage and film extracts, Basque Ball also has an intriguingly wide range of interviews with contemporary poets, musicians, politicians, and even victims of terrorism. The film has been given suitably deluxe treatment by Tartan; apart from the Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (why shouldn’t documentaries enjoy this facility?), extra insight is provided by Spanish film specialist Robert Stone (not the novelist), and the experienced journalist Paddy Woodworth, an expert on Spain’s political turmoil.

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Collections & Lists

This film is part of the following Film Collections

Best European Political Films

Including: A Thousand Months, Another Way, Audition / Talent Competition, Basque Ball, Blind Chance, Goodbye Lenin!, Innocence Unprotected, Interrogation, Love, No End.

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