What an exceptional silent film, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar “Snow White” narrative through a striking monochrome presentation and relocating the story within the world of bullfighting. The protagonist, "Carmen" (played by Macarena García), is the daughter of a celebrated bullfighter, "Villalta" (Daniel Gimênez Cacho). A pair of unfortunate events during her birth lead him to marry his rather unpleasant nurse, "Encarna" (Maribel Verdú). Thankfully, “Carmen” was raised by her grandmother, but after her passing, she had to return to her father and his harsh stepmother. Life with them became intolerable, prompting her escape into the forest where she finds shelter with seven miniature bullfighters. They welcome her, call her "Blancanieves," and foresee a lucrative future for themselves, believing she’ll be immensely popular with audiences due to her inherited skill in the arena. The film's visual artistry is remarkable; the production design creates an appealing depth of atmosphere, while the infrequent title cards effectively guide the viewer. Verdú delivers a genuinely chilling performance, reminiscent of Dame Kristen Scott Thomas, with a deceptively pleasant smile that hints at something sinister. The girl’s playful and compassionate companions inject a welcome dose of humor and optimism into the story, and I briefly hoped Pablo Berger might alter the ending. The musical score is beautifully Spanish in character, shifting from delicate and alluring to powerful and intense, enhancing the overall tone of this unconventional adaptation—a far cry from Disney's version. Seeing it on screen would be a real treat; it’s a wonderful tribute to Spanish heritage that looks fantastic when projected large.

Source on TMDB