El Verdugo (1963)
Genre: Comedy / Drama
Duration: 90 minuten
Alternative titles: The Executioner / Not on Your Life
Country:
Spain / Italy
Directed by: Luis García Berlanga
Stars: Nino Manfredi, Emma Penella and José Isbert
IMDb score:
7,9 (8.236)
Releasedate: 31 August 1963
El Verdugo plot
"An original and brilliant movie"
In the 1960s, the death penalty is still in effect in Spain. Since carrying out such a punishment is not really a nice job, 'executioner' José tries to retire. This is not so easy as he has received his apartment from the state as collateral for his work. His daughter has just married and since his son-in-law has no other home, he is forced to take over the job. He swears he'll stop before he actually has to kill someone. Unfortunately, an execution is soon announced.
Actors and actresses
José Luis Rodríguez, el enterrador
Carmen, la hija de Amadeo
Amadeo, el verdugo
Antonio Rodríguez, el hermano mayor de José Luis
Álvarez, el enterrador
Director de la prisión
Mujer visitante de la obra nº 2
Estefanía, esposa de Antonio
Ignacia, esposa de Álvarez
San Martín
Reviews & comments
Spetie
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- 38871 messages
- 8501 votes
A film with an interesting subject, taking a strong but cynical stance against the death penalty. Anyone who initially thinks that the life of an executioner is a walk in the park will soon be proven wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth, as is evident here in El Verdugo. The sentence for the condemned man seems to be a sentence for the executioner as well, for the new executioner only wants to be an executioner if he doesn't have to execute anyone, and those are simply two things that do not go together.
El Verdugo paints a reasonably strong picture of Spanish society in the early 1960s. The direction is extremely pleasing, and Berlanga frequently uses long takes, with very beautiful use of black and white. The acting is adequate, though I particularly liked the son-in-law, played by Nino Manfredi. However, the Spaniards here talk to each other at an incredibly high pace, so you really have to pay close attention to follow everything properly. Sometimes the quality drops a little, but overall it is quite good. I found the ending, which revealed that the son-in-law will eventually meet the same fate as his father-in-law,, quite beautiful.
Ultimately, El Verdugo falls just a tiny bit short of the top, but it is nonetheless very enjoyable and interesting viewing material.
3.5*
Translated from Dutch · View original
Vinokourov
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- 3143 messages
- 2909 votes
An old executioner is calling it quits. After 40 years, he’s had enough of executing people. His son-in-law takes over his job, making it possible for grandpa, daughter, son-in-law, and baby to move into an apartment under construction. However, the son-in-law dreads carrying out a death sentence, but oh dear, what a dilemma! If he doesn't do his job, the family won't get an apartment.
Unbeknownst to me, I was comparing this Spanish film to Italian neo-realist movies. The grandfather looks a bit like that grandfather from Umberto D. In terms of poverty, it isn't too bad, but the situation itself is simply harrowing. It is occasionally reinforced by some dryly humorous moments, such as at the wedding between daughter and son-in-law or during the viewing of their future apartment. The ending was also quite strong. Not quite the 'masterpiece' label that some people give the film, but I certainly thought it was good 
.
Translated from Dutch · View original
El Loco
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- 1334 messages
- 2575 votes
I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, but I was pleasantly surprised by it nonetheless. The first part focuses more on Spanish society in the 1960s and the way the executioner's profession was looked down upon. Amadeo is a fun character in this regard, because you wouldn't immediately picture such a small, old grandpa when thinking of an executioner.
From the moment José Luis, the new executioner, is effectively called upon to do his work, the film becomes more humorous. The various moments where he tries to evade his work, and especially the final scene where José Luis nearly faints during the walk to the execution site, are very well done.
3.5*
Translated from Dutch · View original
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