Is Burn Madrid Burn a True Story?

By Anna Duncan

If you’ve watched the movie “Burn Madrid Burn” or heard of it, you might be wondering whether it’s a true story or not. The movie, which was released in 2011 and directed by Álex de la Iglesia, tells the story of a group of anarchists who set fire to a Madrid bank during a protest against the Spanish government’s economic policies.

Is “Burn Madrid Burn” based on a true story?

The short answer is no. “Burn Madrid Burn” is not based on a specific true story. However, the movie was inspired by real-life events that occurred in Spain during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

During this time, Spain was going through a severe economic crisis that resulted in high unemployment rates and social unrest. Many people were protesting against government policies and calling for change. Some of these protests turned violent, with clashes between police and demonstrators.

The director of “Burn Madrid Burn,” Álex de la Iglesia, was himself involved in left-wing politics during his youth in Bilbao in the 1970s. He has stated that he wanted to make a film about the current state of Spanish society and how young people are dealing with the crisis.

The plot of “Burn Madrid Burn”

In the movie, a group of anarchists led by José (played by Luis Tosar) decides to take action against the system by robbing a bank and setting it on fire during a protest march. The group becomes famous overnight, with many people supporting their cause.

However, things start to go wrong when one member of the group betrays them to the police, leading to their arrest and imprisonment. José manages to escape but is later caught and sentenced to prison.

The movie explores themes such as social inequality, political corruption, and the power of media manipulation. It also portrays anarchism as an ideology that seeks to overthrow the current system and create a more just and equal society.

  • Acting performances
  • The acting performances in “Burn Madrid Burn” are excellent, with Luis Tosar delivering a particularly strong performance as José. The movie also features some famous Spanish actors, such as Álex Angulo and Carlos Areces, who add to the film’s overall quality.

  • Cinematography
  • The cinematography in “Burn Madrid Burn” is also noteworthy, with beautiful shots of Madrid’s streets and skyline. The movie has a gritty and realistic feel that adds to its authenticity.

  • Soundtrack
  • Finally, the movie’s soundtrack is excellent, featuring songs by Spanish rock bands such as Los Planetas and La Habitación Roja. The music adds to the film’s energy and helps to create a sense of rebellion and protest.

Conclusion:

While “Burn Madrid Burn” is not based on a specific true story, it does reflect the social and political realities of Spain during the time it was made. The movie is well-acted, well-directed, and has an excellent soundtrack. If you’re interested in Spanish cinema or want to learn more about anarchism as an ideology, “Burn Madrid Burn” is definitely worth watching.