''Begin the Beguine'' () is a 1982 Spanish film written and directed by

José Luis Garci José Luis García Muñoz (born 20 January 1944), known professionally as José Luis Garci, is a Spanish film director, Film, producer, critic, TV presenter, screenwriter and author. One of the most influential film personalities in the history o ...

, starring Antonio Ferrandis. The plot follows the story of a Spaniard who returns to his homeland after many years in exile when he wins the

Nobel Prize in Literature The Nobel Prize in Literature, here meaning ''for'' Literature (), is a Swedish literature prize that is awarded annually, since 1901, to an author from any country who has, in the words of the will of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, "in ...

. Its original

Spanish Spanish might refer to: * Items from or related to Spain: **Spaniards are a nation and ethnic group indigenous to Spain **Spanish language, spoken in Spain and many countries in the Americas **Spanish cuisine **Spanish history **Spanish culture ...

title, ''Volver a Empezar'', means ''Starting Again''. The film won the

Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film The Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (known as Best Foreign Language Film prior to 2020) is one of the Academy Awards handed out annually by the U.S.-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). It is given to a ...

at the

55th Academy Awards The 55th Academy Awards ceremony, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honored films released in 1982 and took place on April 11, 1983, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles beginning at 6:00 p. ...

, and was the first Spanish film to do so.

Plot

The film tells the story of Antonio Albajara, a renowned Spanish writer who returns to his hometown after 40 years, triggering memories of his past and exploring themes of love, art, and personal fulfillment. The film opens with Antonio Albajara (played by Antonio Ferrandis), a Nobel Prize-winning writer, receiving an invitation to an event in his hometown of

Gijón Gijón () or () is a city and municipality in north-western Spain. It is the largest city and Municipalities of Spain, municipality by population in the autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community of Asturias. It is located on the coa ...

. Antonio decides to attend and embarks on a journey back to his roots, revisiting the places and people that shaped his early years. As Antonio returns to Gijón, flashbacks take us to the 1940s, when he was a young aspiring writer. We see Antonio deeply in love with María (played by Encarna Paso), a local woman with whom he shares a passionate relationship. However, circumstances and Antonio's desire to pursue his literary career force them apart. Now, decades later, Antonio reconnects with old friends and acquaintances. He encounters Elena (played by Terele Pávez), a woman who was once in love with him and has carried a torch for him all these years. Their reunion sparks a renewed connection and rekindles Elena's long-held feelings. Antonio also reunites with his former flame, María, who is now a widow. The encounter stirs up memories and unresolved emotions between them. They find solace in each other's company, reflecting on the love they once shared and the paths their lives have taken. As Antonio spends time in Gijón, he reflects on the choices he made in his life, particularly the sacrifices he made for his writing career. He contemplates the nature of art, fame, and personal fulfillment. Antonio's introspection is juxtaposed with the celebrations and festivities of the local community, highlighting the contrast between personal reflection and communal joy. Throughout the film, Antonio's relationship with María is a central thread. They navigate their complicated history and the possibilities of starting anew. The film explores the deep bond and unfulfilled love between the two characters, as they grapple with their shared memories and the choices they made.

Cast

* Antonio Ferrandis - Antonio Albajara *

Encarna Paso María de la Encarnación Paso Ramos (25 March 1929 – 18 August 2019), better known as Encarna Paso, was a Spanish film and television actress. Biography Daughter of playwright Antonio Paso Díaz, granddaughter of Antonio Paso y Cano and n ...

- Elena * Agustín González - Gervasio Losada *

José Bódalo José Bódalo Zúffoli (March 24, 1916 – July 24, 1985) was a Spanish film actor. Biography Bódalo was born in Córdoba, Argentina, the son of Rome-born actress Eugenia Zúffoli and Spanish actor and singer José Bódalo, Sr. His birth in A ...

- Roxu * Marta Fernández Muro - Carolina * Pablo Hoyos - Ernesto

Awards

(1983) * Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the Montreal Film Festival (1982)

References

External links

* 1982 films 1982 drama films Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award winners 1980s Spanish-language films Spanish drama films Films with screenplays by José Luis Garci Films directed by José Luis Garci 1980s Spanish films Spanish-language drama films {{1980s-Spain-film-stub

Plot

Cast

Awards

See also

References

External links