Toreros (2000) - film review

Manuel’s glittering career as a star toreador in Spain was cut short when he was injured during a bull fight.  He soon ended up on the wrong side of the law and was sent to prison for drug dealing.  When he leaves jail, he is determined to make a fresh start, with the support of his family.  Unfortunately, his plans soon go awry when he trues to sort out his father’s debts.  The only option is for Manuel to return to the bullring…

Despite strong performances from its stars, Olivier Martinez and Claude Brasseur, this modern film noir has real difficulty engaging the audience.  There is a lot of potential in the script which is either totally misdirected or ignored, and you get the impression that Barbier is only concerned with the visuals.

Whilst the cinematography is fresh and often original, it is no substitute for character development and cannot, by itself, provide the drama which the film needs to have an impact.  Towards the end, the film begins to impress – the bullring sequence being particularly well staged.  But all too soon the film quickly falls apart and ultimately concludes with what resembles an unimaginative pop video.

© James Travers 2001

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