Classic Film : Los Olvidados (1950)

Los Olvidados (1950)

I've seen it couple of days ago for the first time and was left impressed. Guess you could say it was Bunuel's own contribution to neorealism from his Mexican period. The film itself was depressing, moving, cruel and tragic at the same time with strong social commentary on destructive force of poverty. Even the main antagonist is later presented as the tragic character who represented crudeness of the society. **spoiler I guess** Bunuel even included a slight touch of surrealism in a short but perfectly executed and moving dream sequence. Overall I gave it 9/10.

Anyone else seen it? If so I'm curious to hear CFB's thoughts...

Re: Los Olvidados (1950)

One of Bunuel's best films. 9/10

Re: Los Olvidados (1950)

It`s undeniably powerful and moving but I don`t think it`s one of Bunuel`s very best because it`s too much in the tradition of the Italian neo-realist films of the time and the best films of his Mexican period were those such as The Exterminating Angel or The Criminal Life of Archibaldo de la Cruz where he was able to insert more of the surrealist touches which were his trademark.

Re: Los Olvidados (1950)

It's one of my favorites from Bunuel, though, in general, his best work came at the tail end of his Mexican period in the early 60's, and when he relocTed to France from the mid 60's to mid 70's.

That said, I still consider Los Olvidados to be one of at least a half dozen essential films, spanning 5 decades.

Re: Los Olvidados (1950)

Very powerful film. 8/10

Re: Los Olvidados (1950)

Because this film is neo-realistic and straight forward, it is one on my least favourite Bunuel films. He is much more comfortable using abstract and absurd images. This is his trademark and what makes him unique. I believe LOS OLVIDADOS was my first Bunuel film. I was in university and wanted to experience some of the foreign film directors that critics held in esteem. I actually bought this film (along with Bergman's THE SEVENTH SEAL) for a few dollars at a wholesale store (on VHS) and, while I was impressed by THE SEVENTH SEAL, I was bored by LOS OLVIDADOS. I dismissed this film as one of his early, weaker efforts and I am glad I gave him a second chance. I am glad I did and have since enjoyed films like VIRIDIANA, EXTERMINATING ANGEL, THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE, THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE BOURGEOISIE, and my favourite NAZARIN.

Our minds can not hold God but our hearts can.

Re: Los Olvidados (1950)

Eventough films like Discrete Charm, That Obsure Object, and Phantom of Liberty were more technically sound, I'd argue that Los Olvidados was one of his purest movies and that's what makes it so endearing. I'd have to disagree that its simplicity and neorealistic influences decreases the film quality. Similarly to Lynch's Straight Story, just because it isn't made in director's usual manner doesn't make it less worth. On the contrary it shows director's versatility in my opinion, but that's just me.

However I do agree that 1961-1974 was his best period. I personally find LE CHARME DISCRET to be his greatest movie.

Re: Los Olvidados (1950)

I first saw it early this year, and it made a great impression on me too. The same feeling I experienced when I first watched De Sica's "Shoeshine" a few years ago. So real, so crude, so devastating. A masterpiece of world cinema.
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