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Poster for The Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents

Seen it?

1984 | 107 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It was critically acclaimed, though it had almost no lasting buzz and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 47 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

In 60s Extremadura, Paco el Bajo and his relatives work during day in a farmhouse, and silently suffer submission to their masters, who exploit them and treat them almost like animals. Meanwhile, Paco dreams that one day his children will be able to study.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    Critically acclaimed

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.8 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $3 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 6K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Mario Camus

  • Alfredo LandaPaco, El Bajo
  • Terele PávezRégula
  • Belén BallesterosNieves
  • Juan SachezQuirce
  • Susana SánchezLa Niña Chica
  • Francisco RabalAzarías
  • Ágata LysDoña Pura
  • Agustín GonzálezDon Pedro
  • Juan DiegoSeñorito Iván
  • Mary CarrilloSeñora Marquesa