El embrujo de Shanghai

To start with the positive, the environment in which the story unfolds is well sought after, is suggestive. The appeal of having the dreams of Shanghai with old movie aesthetic of black and white is effective. The character of Fernan-Gomez is the only credible. Not so the rest. Of course, the child protagonist is unbearable and the other not convinced at all. The situations ring false and impossible to get in, believe the story told. Nevertheless, we must read the novel by Juan Marsé, it sure is much more interesting and far-reaching in any direction. Sometimes the film has these benefits, which makes us question is what the original literature. This is no small thing.

4/10