We use ads to keep this site running, so please consider disabling your ad blocker. Thank you!
Do not know how to disable ad blocker? Check out this article: How to disable ad blocker?
Directed by
Salvador Simó
Made by
GKIDS
Discover the intricate plot of Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The controversy surrounding his debut feature, L’Age d’Or, leaves director Luis Buñuel struggling to secure new projects. In a twist of fate, anthropologist Maurice Legendre presents Buñuel with an ethnographic study focused on the Las Hurdes region of Spain, suggesting he create a documentary about this area. With the support of his friend, sculptor Ramón Acín, who buys a lottery ticket and vows to fund the film if he wins, destiny plays its hand; Ramón hits the jackpot and fulfills his promise. Consequently, Buñuel gathers a film crew in the picturesque town of La Alberca.
From La Alberca, the crew embarks on a journey to a monastery that doubles as their lodging, venturing into nearby villages characterized by dilapidated, box-like homes tightly clustered together. The narrow, winding streets create a labyrinthine feel, and Ramón astutely observes that the jagged rooftops resemble turtle scales. As they capture footage, the crew is jolted by the stark poverty surrounding the villagers, who seem astonished by the abundance of food the film team brings. A school visit reveals that many locals rely on government subsidies for caring for orphaned children, while schoolchildren swarm around Buñuel, eager for affection. In a heart-wrenching moment, he encounters a dying little girl on the street, feeling utterly powerless without the necessary medicine to save her life.
Despite working on a documentary, Buñuel constructs various scenes for heightened drama, causing friction with his crew. In La Alberca, he instructs Ramón to hire a farmer to reenact a local ritual involving the beheading of a rooster. Later, he desires to film a mountain goat as it slips and tumbles down a cliff, opting instead to shoot one dead to capture the desired effect quickly. Even more poignantly, he orchestrates for a donkey to be stung to death by bees, illustrating the suffering experienced by the local populace.
Throughout the filming process, Buñuel is haunted by nightmares stemming from his troubled childhood. One particular vision featuring his mother and the Virgin Mary drives him to don a nun’s habit. Following the heart-wrenching demise of the little girl, he experiences a chilling nightmare in which he sees a friend from the region take on the guise of Death, prompting him to stage a funeral for an infant in the film.
Fast forward to 1933, and Buñuel finds himself back in Paris, piecing together his film, Las Hurdes: Tierra Sin Pan. The end notes of the film reveal the tragic fate of Ramón Acín and his wife, executed shortly after the Nationalist coup in Spain due to their Anarchist beliefs. Although Buñuel manages to release his documentary in Spain, Ramón’s name is initially omitted from the credits. Years later, he is able to rectify this oversight and restore Ramón’s rightful place among the credits, honoring his friend’s legacy.
Track the key events of Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Luis Buñuel's Struggles
After the controversy surrounding his debut feature, *L'Age d'Or*, Luis Buñuel faces challenges in securing new filmmaking projects. This tough period reflects the impact of public opinion on his career as a director.
Maurice Legendre's Proposal
Anthropologist Maurice Legendre approaches Buñuel with an idea to create a documentary based on an ethnographic study of the Las Hurdes region in Spain. Buñuel recognizes the potential for storytelling in this untapped area and decides to pursue the project.
Ramón Acín's Lottery Win
With unwavering support from his friend Ramón Acín, who buys a lottery ticket, Buñuel's filmmaking dreams reignite when Ramón wins the jackpot. This windfall empowers them to move forward with the documentary project.
Journey from La Alberca
Gathering a film crew in the scenic town of La Alberca, Buñuel and his team start their journey toward a monastery that will serve as their lodging during the shoot. The picturesque settings contrast sharply with the region's social realities.
Exploring Local Villages
As they travel through the nearby villages, the crew observes the stark contrast between the picturesque scenery and the poverty that the locals endure. The cramped, dilapidated homes and the villagers' astonished reactions to the film team's provisions reveal the harsh conditions.
Education and Orphan Care
During a visit to a local school, Buñuel learns about the government's subsidies that help families care for orphaned children. The children's eager approach reveals their longing for affection and connection amidst their challenging circumstances.
Heartbreaking Encounter
Buñuel experiences a devastating moment when he encounters a dying little girl on the street, unable to provide the medical help she needs. This emotional encounter highlights the severe healthcare shortages faced by the villagers.
Dramatic Filmmaking
Despite the documentary's documentary nature, Buñuel begins to stage various dramatic scenes, which raises tensions among his crew. His decision to hire a farmer to reenact a rooster beheading for cinematic effect disappoints some members of the crew.
Orchestrating Animal Scenes
In pursuit of symbolic imagery, Buñuel insists on capturing a mountain goat's tumble down a cliff, ultimately opting for a quicker route by shooting one dead. Additionally, he orchestrates a scene where a donkey is stung by bees, symbolizing the local populace's suffering.
Haunted by Nightmares
While working on the documentary, Buñuel is plagued by nightmares rooted in his traumatic childhood. One particularly haunting vision compels him to don a nun's habit, symbolizing his internal struggle and personal demons.
Staging a Funeral Scene
Following the emotional toll of the little girl's passing, Buñuel experiences a chilling nightmare that inspires him to stage a funeral for an infant within the film. This poignant sequence serves to illustrate themes of life, death, and loss.
Completion in Paris
Years later, in 1933, Buñuel starts piecing together his film, *Las Hurdes: Tierra Sin Pan*, back in Paris. This phase of editing and finalizing marks a crucial step in bringing his vision to life.
Tragic End for Ramón Acín
The film’s end notes reveal the tragic fate of Ramón Acín and his wife, who were executed shortly after the Nationalist coup in Spain due to their Anarchist beliefs. This somber detail adds depth to Ramón's role in Buñuel's life.
Release of the Documentary
Buñuel successfully releases *Las Hurdes: Tierra Sin Pan* in Spain, although initial credits neglect to mention Ramón's contribution. This oversight reflects the struggles of artistic acknowledgment in tumultuous times.
Restoration of Legacy
In later years, Buñuel takes steps to honor his friend’s legacy by correcting the credits to include Ramón Acín's name. This act serves as a tribute to the invaluable support Ramón provided during the creation of the documentary.
Meet the characters that bring Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Luis Buñuel (Jorge Usón)
Luis Buñuel is portrayed as a visionary director facing the aftermath of his controversial work. He is driven by a desire to create impactful films but is haunted by his past traumas. His complex character navigates the challenges of artistic integrity, often wrestling with the moral implications of his choices.
Ramón Acín (Fernando Ramos)
Ramón Acín is depicted as a loyal friend and sculptor who supports Buñuel in his film endeavor. His act of buying a lottery ticket reflects his hope and dedication to their shared dream. Ramón's character embodies the spirit of camaraderie and tragedy, particularly as he faces the dire consequences of his political beliefs.
Uncover the settings of Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1930s
The movie is set in the 1930s, a turbulent time in Spain marked by political upheaval and social unrest. This period witnessed the rise of different ideologies, including Anarchism, which significantly impacted the lives of individuals like Ramón Acín. The events occurring during this time shaped the narrative of Buñuel's documentary and its aftermath.
Location
La Alberca, Las Hurdes region, Spain
La Alberca is a picturesque town in Spain known for its charming architecture and scenic landscape. Located in the Las Hurdes region, it's characterized by dilapidated homes and narrow winding streets that give off a labyrinthine vibe. The area reflects a deep cultural heritage while also revealing the stark poverty endured by its residents.
Explore the core themes of Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
🎥
Art and Reality
The theme of art versus reality is prevalent as Luis Buñuel struggles to depict the true conditions of life in Las Hurdes. Despite his documentary's aim, he finds himself bending reality for dramatic effect, causing conflict with his crew. This theme explores the ethical challenges of representation in film and the responsibilities of filmmakers.
💔
Poverty and Suffering
Poverty and suffering are central to the film as it showcases the harsh realities faced by the villagers in Las Hurdes. The stark contrast between the film crew's abundance and the locals' despair highlights the socioeconomic disparities. Buñuel's encounters with the impoverished children stir a deep emotional response, emphasizing the human cost of neglect.
🔄
Memory and Trauma
Memory and trauma resonate throughout Buñuel's journey as he grapples with nightmares from his childhood. The intersection of personal trauma and broader societal issues shapes his artistic vision. This theme reveals how personal experiences can influence creative expression and narrative choice in filmmaking.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.