Suspenseful and authentic, La Caja 507 is one of those low-key movies that will sneak up on you. Spanish cinematography is slowly becoming my new passion. And for a good reason too. Directed by Enrique Urbizu (No Habrá Paz Para Los Malvados), this is a deceptively simple thriller. It features an engaging story and a very impressive cast led by Antonio Resines. If Enrique Urbizu knows something, it’s who to cast for the lead role, with captivating Resines taking the movie to a whole new level. I felt everything that happened to him, as it was actually happening to me, and that is a rare thing. I see such passion, such devotion in these actors that there is nothing left to do but respect and admire them. Of course, Jose Coronado was usually awesome.
Of course, this being a thriller, you can expect a fair dosage of murder, theft, violence, and all the other things that accompany this genre. However, here they’re shown from a different perspective. A perspective of an ordinary man who doesn’t seek trouble and has only one wish, to live peacefully. This shift of focus helped with the immersion and atmosphere too. It helped the viewer to identify with the protagonist, a running theme in European cinema. Granted, it’s more of a man’s man movie, with the story told from a male perspective. This doesn’t mean that women won’t find it interesting, it’s just a matter of storytelling style.
Meet Modesto Pardo, a middle-aged bank manager, living a simple life with his wife and daughter. He is pretty smart and meticulous, and this has served him well in life and it seems that nothing can change that. As it always happens, one morning the phone rang… It was the police telling him that his only daughter died in a forest fire that appears she accidentally started with a joint. Devastating news forced him even more into himself, while his wife started to lose altogether. Seven years have passed but for Modesto, nothing has changed much. What he doesn’t know that things are finally about to change. But for the worse.
La Caja 507 is a well-crafted movie with several subplots all coming together in a satisfying finale. The movie also maintained the level of quality throughout, making it a pleasure to watch. There are enough twists and turns to keep your eyes peeled to the screen ’till the end. When you add to this great pacing and gorgeous cinematography you got yourself one hell of a movie. I wouldn’t call it a noir, although it does feature a story full of crime. The above-mentioned themes pushed it away from that definition in my humble opinion.
If you liked this movie, I recommend you check out the rest that not only Spanish but also European cinematography has to offer. You can start with Mientras Duermes, El Secreto de Sus Ojos and El Habitante Incierto. And if you’re looking for something with more punch check out The Corpse of Anna Fritz and La Cueva.
Director: Enrique Urbizu
Writers: Enrique Urbizu, Michel Gaztambide
Cast: Antonio Resines, Dafne Fernández, Younes Bachir, José Coronado, Miriam Montilla
Fun Facts: The story in the movie is loosely based on true events that happened in Spain.
Rating:
IMDb Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0325145/
