Introduction
Gracia Querejeta’s film “15 anos y un dia” (15 years and one day) attempts to describe the relationship between individuals of different generations, backgrounds, and cultures and the impacts that these differences have on society (Holland 1). In particular, it attempts to highlight the conflicts that occur in the modern Spanish community. It pays attention to the issues of immigration, modernity, and generation differences, which seem to be some of the themes that define the social system and the conflicts therein (Holland 1). One major aspect of these issues is the presence of South American culture and individuals in a modern European society, which contributes to the cultural differences and conflicts.
Film analysis
The major theme that Querejeta presents in the film is the conflicts within the relationship between parents and their children. Orphan Jon (Aron Piper) has a strained relationship with Margo, his mother (Maribel Verdu), an unemployed wannabe actress (15 anos y un dia). Jon, a rough teenager, is always a controversial character whose level of discipline worries not only the mother but also his neighbors and teachers (Holland 1). After several cases of indiscipline in his school, and especially after calling the school matron “a cow” and poisoning his neighbor’s dog, Jon is expelled (15 anos y un dia).
His mother feels that the only option open to her is to take Jon to live with her father, Max, a retired military officer living in a village at the Alicante coast (15 anos y un dia). Here, the conflict due to the age difference between Jon and his grandfather is portrayed. For instance, Max has a hostile attitude towards television and air conditioning. He insists that Jon should exercise and take his classes seriously. However, Jon finds the right place for interacting with the town’s young characters, most of whom are Latino immigrants searching for their identity in Europe (Holland 1).
The Latin Americans in Europe: Immigration, cultural conflicts, and homophobia
When Jon arrives in his grandfather’s village, he must adapt to the role of an observer as well as the film’s protagonist. In particular, the backstories of the characters involved exposing the hopes, beliefs, and fates of the Latin Americans as they pursue their European dream. Jon befriends Sofia Mohammed, a Muslim girl working in an internet café (Holland 1). In their conversations, Sofia reveals her story, especially her previous relationship with Pau Porch, a Latin American immigrant whose background and poverty make him a thug in the village (15 anos y un dia). He introduces her to the art, which eventually leads to Sofia dropping out of school.
In particular, there is a common tendency of foreign youths, especially those from South America, to drop out of school at an early age. The film depicts how most Latino immigrants arrive in Europe, hoping to pursue their dream careers but end up in frustrations. For instance, Pau Porch says that he had arrived in the village from Ecuador, hoping to advance his soccer career and achieve an international figure. In fact, he says that he was hoping to become the ‘Maradona of Ecuador’, but this dream was foiled by his fate in Europe and a hernia (15 anos y un dia). He is an example of the young people from South America who arrives in Spain and other European nations hoping to take the advantage of the vast economies and career opportunities but ends up in crime.
The film also depicts how the presence of immigrants causes homophobia and is associated with crime. For instance, Jon is involved in a brawl at the beach, which leaves one character dead (15 anos y un dia). As the police investigate the matter, they believe that the cause of the problem is the presence of the immigrants (Holland 1). The issue of discrimination and homophobia is portrayed by the police’s hostility towards the immigrants.
Conclusion
In the film, the South American culture in modern Spanish society is described, depicting the Latino dream for a better future in Europe and the setbacks involved on arrival in continental Europe, including cases of hostility and homophobia.
Works Cited
15 anos y un dia. Ex. Prod. Gracia Querejeta. Madrid, Spain.: Latido Films. 2013. DVD.
Holland, Jonathan. 15 years and One Day: Film Review. The Hollywood Reporter. 4.2 (2014): 1-3. Web.