When discussing the Spanish cinema industry, most people immediately think of renowned filmmakers like Pedro Almodovar, known for their critically acclaimed work. However, what often goes unnoticed is the commercial side of Spanish filmmaking, catering to the general audience. A prime example of this is Torrente, el brazo tonto de la ley, a 1998 comedy written and directed by Santiago Segura. This film not only surpassed Titanic at the Spanish box office but also spawned a successful sequel, solidifying its status as a commercial triumph in Spanish cinema.
The film follows the protagonist Jose Luis Torrente (played by Santiago Segura), an overweight, middle-aged Madrid policeman who conveniently forgets to mention that he's been kicked off the force. His obnoxious behavior, which includes excessive drinking, drug use, and discrimination against marginalized groups, would be intolerable if not for his deceit. Additionally, Torrente exploits his wheelchair-bound father (played by Tony Leblanc) for financial gain, adding another layer of despicability to his character. When a new family moves into Torrente's neighborhood, he sets his sights on Amparito (played by Neus Asensi), a rumored nymphomaniac, and enlists the help of her cousin Rafi (played by Javier Camara), an idealistic young man dreaming of emulating Dirty Harry, in his schemes. Together, they uncover a major drug operation at a local Chinese restaurant, leading to a showdown with the local drug lords.
Santiago Segura masterfully portrays Torrente by exaggerating negative Spanish male stereotypes and subverting cop cliches from Hollywood action films of the past. Despite its lack of political correctness and boundary-pushing humor, the character of Torrente is both pitiful and captivating, showcasing Segura's acting prowess. The film shines in its first half, with humor centered around Torrente, though some jokes may be lost on non-Spanish or non-European audiences. Despite a somewhat lackluster second half that veers into conventional thriller territory, Torrente remains a refreshing break from Hollywood norms, offering a unique take on genre films.
While the film's ending may not live up to its promising start, Torrente is a must-watch for those seeking a departure from mainstream cinema conventions.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
(Note: This review was originally posted on the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on June 14th, 2004)
For more content, visit my blog in Croatian here and in English here.
Play the Rising Star game here
BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7