Hard Times

Story

Synopsis

When the troubled son of an NGO worker refuses to take a test and announces that he is not leaving his room, his concerned mother asks one of her clients, a Cuban exile, for help in setting the boy straight. Gonzalo has decided to drop out of school, and his mother Ana isn't sure how to convince the boy that he's making a crucial mistake. Ana's client Carlos is a Cuban exile who makes his living selling cigars and artwork on the black market. When Carlos learns of Ana's dilemma, he calls on recently released convict Mikel to teach the boy how to play chess. Perhaps is young Gonzalo can master the game, he can learn to start living again. As the lessons get underway, each of these characters learns that in order to truly move on with their lives they much first break free of the bonds that prevent them from being who they really are.

Director

Manuel Martín Cuenca

Writers

Manuel Martín Cuenca, Alejandro Hernández

Language

Spanish; Castilian

Country

Spain

Release date

18 November 2005

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Javier Cámara

  Mikel

• 

  Nathalie Poza

  Ana

• Eman Xor Oña

  Carlos

• 

  Leonor Watling

  Laura

• Gonzalo Pedrosa

  Gonzalo

• 

  Xosé Manuel Esperante

  Chico 1

• 

  Mikel Tello

  Ramón

• 

  Fernando Hechavarria

  Fabré

• 

  Pere Arquillué

  Pascual