Crosswalk.com

El Bola

compiled by Jeffrey Overstreet
from Film Forum, 02/06/03

El Bola, the new film from writer-director Achero Manas, chronicles the friendship of a troubled boy in Madrid whose life is saved by a classmate.

J. Robert Parks (The Phantom Tollbooth) calls it "a beautiful, touching movie. The film's success hinges on its two young actors, and their performances … are genuinely fantastic."

Gerri Pare (Catholic News Service) says, "Manas's feature debut wisely avoids sentimentality yet packs an emotional punch. The film cries out for teachers, friends, neighbors, and relatives not to ignore youngsters they suspect may be in an abusive situation but are too afraid to speak out."