80 Days

80 Days is a thought-provoking Basque-language film from Spain, starring Itziar Aizpuru and Mariasun Pagoaga, that delicately unravels the complexities of life, love, and identity in the twilight years.

Directed by Jon Garaño and José Mari Goenaga, the movie uses the life of its main character, Axun (Itziar Aizpuru), to delve into a discussion of generational, sexual, and cultural identity. The film sets the stage in a tranquil area of the Basque region, a backdrop that both contrasts and complements the subtle turbulence of Axun's emotional journey.

Axun is an elderly woman whose life has followed the quiet rhythm of her rural village until an unexpected situation thrusts her into a fresh whirlwind of emotions. Her husband is unable to drive due to poor health, so Axun has to travel to the hospital in San Sebastian to care for her bedridden ex-sister-in-law. There, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Maite (Mariasun Pagoaga), a woman from her childhood, who is also tending to a critically ill patient. This encounter transports Axun back to her past, reigniting dormant emotions.

Itziar Aizpuru delivers a sensitive and poignant portrayal of Axun, a woman on the verge of profound personal discovery. Her nuanced performance breathes life into the character, making Axun's struggles with her traditional values, feelings, and loyalty to her family, all the more real for viewers. On the other hand, Mariasun Pagoaga’s portrayal of Maite is vibrant and full of heart, embodying a woman comfortable in her skin and, thus, providing a stark contrast to Axun. Together, their performances form the beating heart of 80 Days, laced with authenticity and emotional depth.

Throughout the narrative, 80 Days deftly examines issues relative to age, sexuality, societal norms, and self-acceptance. The film also pays homage to Jules Verne's classic novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days", cleverly using it as a metaphor for life's journey and the various paths and detours people can take. It is a narrative device that enhances the film's core messages about self-discovery and personal growth.

The direction of Jon Garaño and José Mari Goenaga is adept, subtle, and quietly powerful. Their gentle touch allows the story to unfold organically, defying clichés and overpowering melodrama. The duo does a tremendous job, painting the characters and landscape with an authentic brush, bringing the Basque region to life in its everyday simplicity and beauty.

The cinematography is equally impressive, with a careful eye for detail, proficiently capturing the rural beauty of the Basque landscape alongside bustling city life scenes. The film's aesthetics are both warm and gripping, enhancing the narrative's depth.

Despite its seemingly heavy themes, 80 Days smoothly balances poignancy with moments of light humour and touching camaraderie. It’s these flashes of humor, the perfectly timed one-liners, and subtle everyday life moments that lend the film a lovely dimension, inviting viewers into the life of Axun and making her wonderfully human and relatable.

What is notable about 80 Days is its portrayal of elderly characters. It celebrates their experiences, wisdom, and highlights their individuality rather than reducing them to stereotypical roles. By doing so, it simultaneously gives visibility to often overlooked segments of society and challenges the frequently encountered ageism in cinema.

In conclusion, 80 Days is a layered, tenderly constructed movie that comes alive through its robust performances and sincere storytelling. It neither shies away from nor sensationalises its themes, managing instead to portray them with candor, integrity, sensitivity and an earnest depiction of the human condition. It is a must-watch for those seeking an erudite exploration of life's complexities, wrapped in a finely-crafted cinematic aesthetic. Its universal themes ensure its appeal to a broad audience, transcending cultural boundaries even while rooted so deeply in its Basque identity. The film’s exploration of love, regret, time, and identity are universally resonate, solidifying 80 Days as a truly poignant piece of cinema.