Honor de cavalleria

Honor of the Knights is easily the most striking Spanish film of 2006. Albert Serra is original, without making a secret of whom and what inspired him. Clear and to the point - both through homages in his film and in accompanying text and interviews - he states what he wants to achieve. This serene, painterly film debut reminds us of the films of Ozu, Olmi, Bresson and Pasolini, but also of the ideas and approach of Godard, Rocha and Paradzhanov (occasionally explicitly), without being disruptive or irritating. On the contrary, the gentle human approach that makes this film so moving brings us closer to heaven…
This film was made on a limited budget and, while it is based on Cervantes’ Don Qui j ote,there are few recognizable scenes and not a windmill in sight. In addition, Serra also uses other (mediaeval) sources and so the film succeeds in a miraculous way in its aim of re-creating the more or less historic characters that may well have served as a source of inspiration for Cervantes. We see Don Quijote and his servant Sancho (played by the wonderful ‘non-professionals’ Lluís Carbó and Lluís Serrat) on their journey through the empty landscape (throughout the film there isn’t a single human construction to be seen). They are, as they should be, looking for adventure and while they speak - and remain silent - about both down-to-earth practical issues and courtly and spiritual subjects, a bond develops between the two men. (GT)