Not Such an Easy Life
| Not Such an Easy Life | |
|---|---|
 Promotional film poster | |
| Spanish | Una vida no tan simple |
| Directed by | Félix Viscarret |
| Screenplay by | Félix Viscarret |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Óscar Durán |
| Edited by | Victoria Lammers |
| Music by | Mikel Salas |
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | A Contracorriente Films |
Release dates |
|
| Country | Spain |
| Language | Spanish |
Not Such an Easy Life[1] (Spanish: Una vida no tan simple) is a 2023 Spanish comedy-drama film directed by Félix Viscarret starring Miki Esparbé alongside Álex García, Ana Polvorosa, and Olaya Caldera.
Plot[edit]
Exploring issues of parenting and mid-life crisis, the plot follows the plight of architect Isaías, struggling with the work–life interface, as he vies to raise his children.[1][2]
Cast[edit]
- Miki Esparbé as Isaías[3]
- Álex García as Nico[4]
- Ana Polvorosa as Sonia[4]
- Olaya Caldera as Ainhoa[4]
- Julián Villagrán[5]
- Ramón Barea[5]
Production[edit]
The film was produced by Lamia Producciones, A Contracorriente Films, and Klingsor Films AIE.[6] It had the participation of EiTB, Movistar+, and R Telecable and backing from ICAA, the Basque Government, and the Government of Navarre.[4] Shooting locations included Bilbao and Getxo.[7]
Release[edit]
The film was presented at the 26th Málaga Film Festival on 13 March 2023.[8] Distributed by A Contracorriente Films, it was released theatrically in Spain on 23 June 2023.[4]
Reception[edit]
Luis Martínez of El Mundo rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as a "delicate fable both sharp and clear-sighted without renouncing to be somewhat bitter and even subtly amusing".[9]
Pere Vall of Fotogramas rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting "its smart and sensitive narration" and a "dazzling" Olaya Caldera as the best things about the film.[10]
Top ten lists[edit]
The film appeared on a number of critics' top ten lists of the best Spanish films of 2023:
- 8th — Mondosonoro (consensus)[11]
Accolades[edit]
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024
|
79th CEC Medals | Best Actor | Mike Esparbé | Nominated | [12] |
| 38th Goya Awards | Best Original Screenplay | Félix Viscarret | Nominated | [13] | |
| 32nd Actors and Actresses Union Awards | Best Film Actor in a Minor Role | Álex García | Nominated |
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Meza, Ed (13 March 2023). "'Patria' Director Félix Viscarret Turns to More Personal Story of Parenting in 'Not Such an Easy Life'". Variety.
- ^ Stegmeier, Ion (11 February 2023). "Cuatro películas navarras cruzan esta noche la península en busca de un Goya". Diario de Navarra.
- ^ Sotorrío, Regina (13 March 2023). "Félix Viscarret cura su crisis de los 40 en 'Una vida no tan simple': ni padres ni profesionales perfectos". Diario Sur. Grupo Vocento.
- ^ a b c d e D'Ocon, Manuel (11 May 2023). "'Una vida no tan simple': asi es el primer tráiler de la nueva película de Miki Esparbé, Ana Polvorosa y Álex García". Fotogramas.
- ^ a b "Una vida no tan simple". Festival de Málaga. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
- ^ Aller, María. "'Una vida no tan simple': cartel y clip en exclusiva de la película protagonizada por Miki Esparbé". Fotogramas.
- ^ Belategui, Oskar (14 December 2021). "Padres a la carrera en un Bilbao invernal". El Correo. Grupo Vocento.
- ^ "'Una vida no tan simple' refleja en el Festival de Málaga una tragicómica crisis de la paternidad y de los 40 años". Europa Press.
- ^ Martínez, Luis (23 June 2023). "Una vida no tan simple: retrato de un 'viejoven' con angustia al fondo (***)". El Mundo.
- ^ Vall, Pere (23 June 2023). "Crítica de 'Una vida no tan simple', la nueva película de Félix Viscarret entre triunfos y fracasos". Fotogramas.
- ^ "Las mejores películas nacionales de 2023". Mondosonoro. 26 December 2023.
- ^ "'Cerrar los ojos', de Víctor Erice, la más nominada en la edición número 79 de las Medallas CEC". Kinótico. 29 December 2023.
- ^ "Premios Goya 2024 | Palmarés completo: todos los ganadores de la gran noche de 'La sociedad de la nieve'". Cinemanía. 11 February 2024 – via 20minutos.es.
- ^ "Todos los nominados de la 32 edición de los Premios Unión de Actores y Actrices de España". Escribiendo Cine. 4 February 2024.
- ^ "Malena Alterio, Maribel Verdú, Lola Dueñas y Quim Gutiérrez, entre los protagonistas de los 32 Premios UA". Europa Press. 12 March 2024.