- Format: PAL
- Language Spanish
- Subtitles: English
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: 18
- Studio: G2 Pictures
- DVD Release Date: 11 Jan 2010
- Run Time: 107 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B002KAIVOU
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 40,274 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Product Description
A huge box office draw in its native Spain this no-holds-barred teen comedy drama follows a group of contemporary middle class Spanish teenagers as they go about their daily lives and experiment with alcohol drugs parties and each other. Alejo Sauras Hugo Silva and Ana de Armas star.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
SEX, PARTY & LIES (Spanish, with subtitles) is populated by a variety of characters in their 20s and 30s, linked by their excursions into the world of drugs and partying. These include Carlos, a musician/DJ who consumes vast quantities of drugs amid a parade of one-night-stands; Paz, who is fired from her bar-tending job and dumped by her boyfriend when she gains weight; Leo, a 29-year-old model and lesbian; 19-year-old Tony, who has an unrequited crush on his straight best friend Nico; and Sonia, a 30-something drug-dealer who keeps promising herself 'just one last time'.
The first half of the film could place it in the league of any of the (numerous) nihilistic-alienated-youth-on-drugs-films that have burgeoned since the 1990s - plenty of nudity, physical encounters, and disenfranchised angst. It is easy to imagine that some viewers will see only this superficial layer, and as such, may well be be disappointed. Writer/director Alfonso Albacete is both experienced and accomplished, however, and familiarity with his work facilitates an appreciation that there is actually a lot more going on in this film.
The crux revolves around the multitude of 'lies' that constitute our existence: the grand lie of capitalism, promises that will never be kept, concealed desires, self-deceptions, the belief that happiness is one pill - or one love - away. In this regard, the youth-on-drugs backdrop proves to be almost incidental. There is a challenge to the viewer, as she/he observes each of the characters living out these all-consuming lies, to locate an integrity to existence.
Ultimately, the overtly religious denouement at the final rave (a 'Last Supper' of sorts) - which is absolutely breathtaking in this respect - seems almost inevitable as a Christian crisis of salvation / redemption. (Lest this summation unfairly reduce the film to some sort of 'gritty drama' category, it should be noted that there are also occasions of cheeky and playful humour, such as a most awkward threesome scene involving Tony, Nico and a random girl they meet at a party.)
SEX, PARTY & LIES could easily be watched, and enjoyed, for its profusion of sultry, beautiful Spanish skin, entwined in various passionate physical encounters. It can also offer more, however; and perhaps to those who initially would be put off by its title. Complex characterization (aided by some strong performances from the diverse cast) and unexpectedly deep themes, bolstered by some stunning moments of quasi-religious visual imagery. *If* you're prepared to look beyond the façade, this film is highly recommended.
The first half of the film could place it in the league of any of the (numerous) nihilistic-alienated-youth-on-drugs-films that have burgeoned since the 1990s - plenty of nudity, physical encounters, and disenfranchised angst. It is easy to imagine that some viewers will see only this superficial layer, and as such, may well be be disappointed. Writer/director Alfonso Albacete is both experienced and accomplished, however, and familiarity with his work facilitates an appreciation that there is actually a lot more going on in this film.
The crux revolves around the multitude of 'lies' that constitute our existence: the grand lie of capitalism, promises that will never be kept, concealed desires, self-deceptions, the belief that happiness is one pill - or one love - away. In this regard, the youth-on-drugs backdrop proves to be almost incidental. There is a challenge to the viewer, as she/he observes each of the characters living out these all-consuming lies, to locate an integrity to existence.
Ultimately, the overtly religious denouement at the final rave (a 'Last Supper' of sorts) - which is absolutely breathtaking in this respect - seems almost inevitable as a Christian crisis of salvation / redemption. (Lest this summation unfairly reduce the film to some sort of 'gritty drama' category, it should be noted that there are also occasions of cheeky and playful humour, such as a most awkward threesome scene involving Tony, Nico and a random girl they meet at a party.)
SEX, PARTY & LIES could easily be watched, and enjoyed, for its profusion of sultry, beautiful Spanish skin, entwined in various passionate physical encounters. It can also offer more, however; and perhaps to those who initially would be put off by its title. Complex characterization (aided by some strong performances from the diverse cast) and unexpectedly deep themes, bolstered by some stunning moments of quasi-religious visual imagery. *If* you're prepared to look beyond the façade, this film is highly recommended.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
"Sex, Party and Lies" in not merely a movie about disenfranchised youth, drugs and our sex culture. It is a profound commentary on our very existence, which as the movie title suggests revolves moments of sex, parties and ultimately lies.
The sex is not only about an act, but rather a transaction between person, through which we find solace, connection and selfish satisfaction. Ironically it can also be used a commodity upon which human emotions are traded, and through which lustful desires are temporarily sated. Often replaced by a contrite regret and an inability to stop the cycle from repeating, sex also reveals the truth of who and what we are. The act titillates the senses, and taunts the soul through casual moments of intimacy, and your vulnerability cannot help but bleed through the surface. All that you have learnt, cautions you to not allow such vulnerability, and yet one person, one desire can change that in an instant. In truth you can never deny yourself, no matter how hard you try.
Through our parties we allow ourselves an escape, a profound moment where we are part of a crowd that pulsates, breathes and experiences as one. Indeed the final rave scene, where Tony (Mario Casas) hands out ecstasy pills to a willing congregation of souls, is indeed iconic. It is a final communion, where the brevity of life is laid bare, and it is provokative revealing in its perversity. Have we indeed failed as a race of beings, and are we that temporary, that we fixate on the here and now as opposed to the promise of a better future.
Why do we perpetuate the lie that we cannot be true to ourselves? Why do we listen to the lie, that we cannot love another merely because of gender? Why is the great societal lie, so pervasive, so strong and so all consuming, that it mirrors our failures and forces us to act contrary to nature. The ultimate irony is that inherently we know this to be true, yet we live that lie over and over again.
Sex, Party and Lies" is not a movie to watch for casual titillation, it is far more resonating than that. It demands the audience look beyond the veneer, into the mirror and to see themselves. Horribly underrated, and far more interesting social commentary, than many movies that have tried to express the same. My only criticism was that the movie takes far too long to establish the characters and setting, and as such you want much more of the final moments.
The sex is not only about an act, but rather a transaction between person, through which we find solace, connection and selfish satisfaction. Ironically it can also be used a commodity upon which human emotions are traded, and through which lustful desires are temporarily sated. Often replaced by a contrite regret and an inability to stop the cycle from repeating, sex also reveals the truth of who and what we are. The act titillates the senses, and taunts the soul through casual moments of intimacy, and your vulnerability cannot help but bleed through the surface. All that you have learnt, cautions you to not allow such vulnerability, and yet one person, one desire can change that in an instant. In truth you can never deny yourself, no matter how hard you try.
Through our parties we allow ourselves an escape, a profound moment where we are part of a crowd that pulsates, breathes and experiences as one. Indeed the final rave scene, where Tony (Mario Casas) hands out ecstasy pills to a willing congregation of souls, is indeed iconic. It is a final communion, where the brevity of life is laid bare, and it is provokative revealing in its perversity. Have we indeed failed as a race of beings, and are we that temporary, that we fixate on the here and now as opposed to the promise of a better future.
Why do we perpetuate the lie that we cannot be true to ourselves? Why do we listen to the lie, that we cannot love another merely because of gender? Why is the great societal lie, so pervasive, so strong and so all consuming, that it mirrors our failures and forces us to act contrary to nature. The ultimate irony is that inherently we know this to be true, yet we live that lie over and over again.
Sex, Party and Lies" is not a movie to watch for casual titillation, it is far more resonating than that. It demands the audience look beyond the veneer, into the mirror and to see themselves. Horribly underrated, and far more interesting social commentary, than many movies that have tried to express the same. My only criticism was that the movie takes far too long to establish the characters and setting, and as such you want much more of the final moments.
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
A big box office back in Spain , Mentiras y Gordas is a film great to look at but essentially one that doesn't give you anything to think about . The movie follows the lives of a dozen or so 20-somethings in the clubs and beds of some randon spanish metropolis .
It's biggest weakness is it's poorly written script . The young stars here are given nothing to work with . Their characters are shockingly one dimensional and situations and feelings are introduced to the viewer without ever been explained or examined ( Marina's new found sexual identity or Carlos' drug problem for example ) . A bit more time is given to us with Ana De Armas' Carola , a green-eyed beauty who clings to a man who can't stay faithful and with Yon Gonzales' Nico , a closeted young guy who is secretely in love with his best friend Toni ( Mario Casas ) . The direction often brings in mind a mtv vid or a perfume add . Then , there's the abrupt , overdramatic finale which simply feels fake and makes matter even worse . One of the initial translations of the tittle is " Lies And Fat Girls " and indeed there is one lady here called Paz ( Miriam Giovanelli ) who after gaining some extra weight , loses her boyfriend and her job . Eventually she hooks up with a clumsy law student who had a thing for her best friend since some time ago . Still , these two characters seem at odds with their oversexed , statuesqe costars and are here only for comic relief purposes . Disturbungly enough , they are the only two characters for whom the movie poster didn't have enough room for .
Leaving this film , i had two thoughts in my mind : one , i should have partyed more when i was in college and two , i should have chosen another movie to rent .
It's biggest weakness is it's poorly written script . The young stars here are given nothing to work with . Their characters are shockingly one dimensional and situations and feelings are introduced to the viewer without ever been explained or examined ( Marina's new found sexual identity or Carlos' drug problem for example ) . A bit more time is given to us with Ana De Armas' Carola , a green-eyed beauty who clings to a man who can't stay faithful and with Yon Gonzales' Nico , a closeted young guy who is secretely in love with his best friend Toni ( Mario Casas ) . The direction often brings in mind a mtv vid or a perfume add . Then , there's the abrupt , overdramatic finale which simply feels fake and makes matter even worse . One of the initial translations of the tittle is " Lies And Fat Girls " and indeed there is one lady here called Paz ( Miriam Giovanelli ) who after gaining some extra weight , loses her boyfriend and her job . Eventually she hooks up with a clumsy law student who had a thing for her best friend since some time ago . Still , these two characters seem at odds with their oversexed , statuesqe costars and are here only for comic relief purposes . Disturbungly enough , they are the only two characters for whom the movie poster didn't have enough room for .
Leaving this film , i had two thoughts in my mind : one , i should have partyed more when i was in college and two , i should have chosen another movie to rent .
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