Heiners Filmseiten – The Silly Age (en)

The Silly Age (La edad de la peseta)

German title: Das verrückte Alter
Francaise title: L’âge bête
Greek title: Αθώα χρόνια
Russian title: Глупый возраст
Original title: La edad de la peseta

Alternative titles:
Athoa hronia | Αθωα χρονια

Family drama – Venezuela, Spain, Cuba
Production year: 2006
Movie length: 92 minutes

Director: Pavel Giroud
Writer: Arturo Infante
Cinematograph: Luis Najmias Jr.
Music: Ulises Hernández

Movie description:

Â»The Silly Age« in Cuba refers to a boy’s emergence from the narcissistic cocoon of childhood into adolescence. Ten-year-old Samuel lives with his single mother and eccentric grandmother, who just might be able to use her magical powers to turn him into a cat.
In his grandmother’s house, with its forbidden room, sacred secrets and images of saints, Samuel contends with desire and disillusion, while the outside world shines with the glamour of possibility. In a pivotal scene, Samuel’s childish mother, forever yearning for romance and security, reaches out to touch the sublime architecture of a rich man’s shoe, as if material splendor could fulfill her emotional needs. Her transgression leads to a personal compromise that marks Samuel’s coming-of-age and Cuba’s swift transformation from romantic idealism to harsh reality. With a light directorial touch, evocative cinematography and memorable performances, »The Silly Age« beautifully renders the always difficult process of growing up, whether for a child or a country.

Boy Actors