Culture quiz for AI. What will be the most popular film in Madrid? And in Andalusia?
Many of Spain’s autonomous communities have served as the backdrop for some of the most iconic films in the history of cinema. But, what would be the most famous film from each community according to the criteria of OpenAI’s GPT-4 artificial intelligence ? We asked the AI for the most famous films and we were surprised by the answer for many of them. Here’s a sample:
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Andalusia
Table of Contents
The most famous film in Andalusia, according to the AI, is… “La isla mínima” (The Minimal Island), released in 2014 and directed by Alberto Rodríguez. This Spanish thriller has been a hit with audiences and critics, not only in Andalusia but throughout Spain and beyond. The film tells the story of two homicide detectives from Madrid who are sent to a small town in the Andalusian wetlands to investigate the disappearance of two sisters. What unfolds is a gripping narrative that intertwines the mystery of a murder with the sociopolitical climate of Spain in the 1980s.
Why is it so popular in Andalusia? For several reasons: an authentic representation of the Andalusian landscape in which the marshes themselves become a character in the story, with wide aerial shots capturing their mysterious beauty and isolation; its historical resonance for Andalusian audiences as the post-dictatorship period was a time of significant change and uncertainty in Spain, and the film captures the tensions and challenges of that period masterfully; and, in short, for presenting a compelling plot, complex characters and a suspenseful pace that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
Madrid
The most famous film in Madrid according to AI is… Pedro Almodóvar’s Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown , released in 1988. Arguably Spain’s most famous director, Almodóvar is a native of Madrid and has set many of his films in the city. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is perhaps one of his most iconic works and showcases the zeitgeist of late 1980s Madrid . There are several reasons why this film stands out: its cultural significance, as the film was released during a time of significant cultural change in Spain. After decades of censorship and conservatism, the film’s open exploration of themes such as sexuality, feminism and individuality struck a chord with audiences, especially in Madrid; its use of the Spanish capital as a backdrop, with a city of passion, drama and endless possibilities; and Almodóvar’s signature style of melodramatic storytelling and a mix of comedy and tragedy.
Catalonia
“Pa Negre” or “Black Bread” , directed by Agustí Villaronga and released in 2010, is the most famous film from this community. This Catalan-language film is not only a cinematic triumph but also a moving exploration of the region’s history and culture. Based on the novel by Emili Teixidor, it is set in the harsh post-war period of the 1940s in rural Catalonia. The film tells the story of an 11-year-old boy named Andreu who discovers the corpses of a man and his son in the woods. As the authorities want to blame his father for the crime, Andreu tries to help his family by uncovering the truth.
Aragon
A film that has had a significant impact in Aragon is “Nobleza Baturra”, directed by Florián Rey and initially released in 1935. Despite its age, its influence and popularity have endured, making it a classic and a treasured piece of Aragon’s cinematic history. This film is a drama that tells the story of a love triangle set in the rural area of Aragon, highlighting the customs, traditions and Aragonese dialect of the region. It shows an authentic portrait of rural life, customs and traditional Aragonese costumes.
Asturias
“Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona” is the most popular film from Asturias. It is a 2008 romantic comedy-drama that, despite its title, features pivotal scenes that were filmed in Asturias and hence its association with Asturians. The film tells the story of two American women, Vicky (played by Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (played by Scarlett Johansson), who spend a summer in Spain and fall in love with the same painter, Juan Antonio (played by Javier Bardem). While the plot of the film takes place primarily in Barcelona, Asturias serves as the backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable moments. The reason it has resonated so much with Asturian audiences is that when a region is featured in a film by a renowned director like Woody Allen, it automatically imbues a sense of cultural pride among its residents.
Balearics
In terms of cinema, one film that has resonated with Balearic people and become a cultural phenomenon is “Lucía y el sexo” (Lucia and Sex), directed by Julio Medem. This film, released in 2001, has captured the essence of the Balearic spirit and remains a much-loved piece of cinema among locals. “Lucía y el sexo” (Lucia and Sex) is a dramatic exploration of love, loss and self-discovery, starring Paz Vega as Lucía. The story revolves around Lucía, a young waitress from Madrid, who after learning of the loss of her boyfriend Lorenzo, played by Tristán Ulloa, retreats to a quiet island in the Mediterranean where she finds solace and a deeper connection with her own desires and her past. The film features stunning scenes shot on the island of Formentera, the smallest and perhaps most unspoiled of the Balearic Islands. The themes of love, sexuality and the search for identity are universal, but they are portrayed in the unique context of the Balearic Islands, which added a layer of intimacy and authenticity that deeply impacted the local audience.
Canary Islands
In this case it would be “Mararía” , directed by Antonio José Betancor, based on the novel of the same name written by Rafael Arozarena. Released in 1998, the film beautifully captures the essence of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, with its inhospitable, volcanic landscape providing a dramatic setting for this story of passion and tragedy. “Mararía” is a film deeply rooted in Canarian culture. It explores the history of the islands, the impact of isolation on its inhabitants and the tensions that arise from outside influences. For Canarians, this reflection of their own narrative is both a recognition of their unique identity and a celebration of their heritage.
Cantabria
In Cantabria it could not be any other film but “Altamira” , according to the AI. Directed by Hugh Hudson and released in 2016 based on the Altamira Cave, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, famous for its Upper Paleolithic cave paintings. “Altamira” is a historical drama that tells the story of Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola, played by Antonio Banderas, and his daughter Maria, who discovered the caves and their prehistoric paintings in 1879. The film explores the skepticism and controversy that Sautuola faced as he attempted to prove the authenticity of the paintings, which challenged established historical and religious paradigms of the time.
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Castile-La Mancha
One film that stands out as particularly popular in Castilla-La Mancha is “Volver,” directed by Pedro Almodóvar, one of Spain’s most acclaimed filmmakers. Released in 2006, “Volver” is not just a film; it is a cinematic love letter to the La Mancha region and its people. The film stars Penélope Cruz as Raimunda, a hard-working and resilient woman who, along with her sister Sole (played by Lola Dueñas), navigates the complexities of family secrets, personal tragedies, and the ties that bind them to their past and homeland. The film is steeped in the La Mancha way of life. It features strong female characters who are emblematic of the resilient spirit of the women of Castilla-La Mancha. Their stories of overcoming adversity and mutual support feel relatable because they reflect the matriarchal societies often found in rural Spain. “Volver” above all addresses themes of nostalgia and longing to return, feelings that are particularly poignant for those who have left their places of origin in search of better opportunities.
Castile and Leon
One movie that this community is particularly fond of, according to AI, is “El Cid ,” directed by Anthony Mann and released in 1961. “El Cid” is an epic historical drama that tells the story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, also known as El Cid, the legendary Castilian knight and war hero of the 11th century. The film stars Charlton Heston in the title role and Sophia Loren as Doña Jimena. This movie was shot in various historical locations in Spain, including the imposing castles and fortresses of Castile and León.
Valencian Community
One series (not a film) that has captured the essence of this region and left an echo in its people is “L’Alqueria Blanca”, a television series that became a cultural phenomenon and can be considered as impactful as a blockbuster film in terms of popularity and influence. It is a period drama set in the 1920s and 1930s that follows the lives of several families living in a rural area of the Valencian Community, highlighting their struggles, relationships, and the social changes of the time. The series is praised for its authentic portrayal of Valencian life, including the use of the Valencian language, which is a strong marker of regional identity. The series explores themes such as rural exodus, the rise of the bourgeoisie, and the impact of modernization on traditional communities.
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Estremadura
The case of Extremadura coincides with Andalusia, since the protagonist of this community is “La isla mínima” which received critical acclaim, including ten Goya Awards (the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars ).
Galicia
One of the most iconic and popular films set in Galicia is “Mar Adentro”, directed by Alejandro Amenábar and released in 2004. While “Mar Adentro” is not exclusively about Galician culture, it is deeply rooted in its Galician setting and tells the true story of Ramón Sampedro, a Galician ship mechanic and poet who became a quadriplegic after a diving accident and then fought for his right to assisted suicide during a 28-year campaign. The film is set in Galicia and incorporates the natural beauty of the region’s landscape. The Galician coastline, with its cliffs and ever-present sea, serves as both a backdrop and a symbol throughout the film, reflecting Sampedro’s personal connection to the sea and his longing for freedom.
Rioja
While there may not be a single film that stands out as the “most popular” in La Rioja, one that encapsulates the essence of this region’s pride is “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” which includes scenes shot in the region and shows picturesque landscapes and vineyards, which could appeal to Riojan audiences.
Murcia
Without a doubt, the most recognized film to come out of Murcia is “La Llamada” (2017), directed by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo. Set in a Christian summer camp in the region of Murcia, “La Llamada” tells the story of two teenagers who discover their own identities and desires while attending the camp. The film was a culturally significant film that explored themes of identity, faith, and sexuality in which the film’s setting in a Christian summer camp in Murcia allowed these themes to be explored in a unique and nuanced way, highlighting the tensions and contradictions that exist within Murcian society.
Navarre
The most recognized film to come out of Navarra is ” Agur Etxebeste!” (2007), directed by Asier Altuna and Telmo Esnal. This charming comedy is a charming and touching story that focuses on Ane, a mayor of a small town who is determined to organize a cultural festival in her community, despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks along the way.
the Basque Country
The most acclaimed film from the Basque Country is “Ocho Apellidos Vascos” (2014), directed by Emilio Martínez-Lázaro. This charming romantic comedy tells the story of Rafa, a Sevillian who falls in love with Amaia, a Basque woman, and the funny cultural misunderstandings and mishaps that occur as he tries to win her heart.
