Somos Gente Honrada

Somos Gente Honrada (We are Decent People) is a 2013 Spanish comedy directed by Alejandro Marzoa, starring Paco Tous, Miguel de Lira, and Unax Ugalde among others. Notably, this was Marzoa's feature film debut, and he successfully brought together a talented team to create a comedy that not only entertains but also immerses viewers in a lovably ambiguous world of moral complexities.

The film focuses on the lives of the protagonists Suso (Paco Tous) and Manuel (Miguel de Lira), two hard-working fishermen from the Spanish town of Galicia. They are best friends who have shared joys, sorrows, and endless hours at sea together. However, as the movie opens, the two friends are grappling with personal failures and a shared economic crisis. Their fishing business is going bankrupt, and they are desperate, wondering how to make ends meet and support their families.

During a seemingly ordinary day of their survival struggle, an unexpected opportunity arises for Suso and Manuel. They stumble upon a package that has been discarded or lost by drug dealers. This isn't a typical package but is filled with cocaine, enough to potentially solve all their financial troubles. This introduces an unusually exciting and risky element for the two ordinary modest fishermen, consequently driving the main plot of the movie.

As the plot unfolds, we see Suso and Manuel wrestling with moral and ethical dilemmas. Being decent and honest people, they are torn between their virtue and the desperate need for a settlement. Viewers can't help but sympathize with their predicament as they grapple with the question - Can good people do bad things for good reasons? The brilliance of Somos Gente Honrada is in highlighting this eternal question in a light-hearted, comical, and relatable manner, despite the stark reality and the gravity of the question itself.

Paco Tous and Miguel de Lira deliver an engaging and charismatic performance, brilliantly portraying the inherent decency of their characters and their awkward amateurish foray into the world of crime. Additional characters like Antonio, played by Unax Ugalde, add more elements of humour and suspense to the film. However, it's the chemistry between Tous and de Lira that truly shines, capturing attention during each frame.

The setting of the Spanish coastal town of Galicia adds a dramatic yet authentic backdrop to this film. It beautifully captures the essence of the small-town life, its struggles, and the beautiful bond of friendship and community that exists within. The picturesque visuals of Galicia, crafted with detail by director Alejandro Marzoa, make a visually breathtaking statement, creating a high contrast with the moral ambiguity that's at the heart of this film.

Somos Gente Honrada, though primarily a comedy, has layers of emotional depth. It leverages humor as a tool to shed light on more profound questions about life, choices, moral dilemmas, and the human capacity for resilience. The screenplay, along with its clever dialogues, contribute to the comedy while also creating sombre moments of reflection. Furthermore, the film brilliantly balances tragedy and comedy, ensuring that viewers feel the tension of the situation while still enjoying the humorous dynamics of the characters.

It is crucial to highlight the brilliant use of music in the film as well. It accentuates the mood, building tension when necessary, and bringing out laughter - ultimately enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

To sum up, Somos Gente Honrada is a rewarding watch, a film that marvelously straddles the line between comedy and drama. It masterfully takes the audience on a ride filled with laughter, introspection, and philosophical contemplation, leaving the viewers with a greater appreciation of life's complexity and moral greys. Driven by fantastic performances and a unique storyline, it's a charming addition to the world of cinema and an undoubtful gem in Spanish filmography.