The Olive Tree

Friday 03rd November, 2017

98 mins.
Dir: Icíar Bollaín
Spain 2016
Cert 15
Starring: Anna Castillo, Javier Gutiérrez, Pep Ambròs

Symbols loom large in this captivating family drama from Spain, in particular a two thousand year-old olive tree. The titular tree had stood on the land belonging to young Alma’s family until being dug up and sold ten years ago. Since that day Alma’s beloved grandfather has gone into a decline, refusing even to speak. Convinced that by locating the tree and bringing it back home her grandfather will recover, Alma sets out on her quest along with her uncle and a friend. They end up in Düsseldorf, where the olive tree is proudly displayed in the lobby of a multinational company building. Once again it has acquired symbolic importance, this time as the logo of the company! A symbolic commentary on the economic state of Europe? Perhaps, but equally important, if not more so, are the themes of family ties, local tradition and standing up for what is right.

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