Watch Barcelona
- PG-13
- 1994
- 1 hr 41 min
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7.0 (6,766)
Barcelona is a 1994 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Whit Stillman that revolves around the lives of two American cousins in early 1990s Spain. The movie is a clever and entertaining exploration of the differences between American and European culture, and the experiences of Americans living in a foreign country. The film starts by introducing us to Ted Boynton (Taylor Nichols), an American salesman who has been promoted to a position in the company's Barcelona office. Ted is excited about the opportunity to live in Spain, but he also finds the cultural differences difficult to navigate. His cousin, Fred (Chris Eigeman), who is also an American living in Spain, helps him get adjusted to the new environment.
Ted is a romantic at heart and is looking for love. He meets a beautiful Spanish woman named Montserrat (Tushka Bergen) through Fred, and the two of them hit it off right away. But Ted's old-fashioned ways and his lack of knowledge about Spanish culture prevent him from seeing Montserrat's true intentions.
The film also explores the political landscape of early 1990s Spain, as the country grapples with terrorist attacks and political unrest. Tensions between Spanish and American culture are also highlighted, as the two cousins often find themselves at odds with their Spanish colleagues and friends.
The chemistry between Ted and Montserrat is evident from their first meeting, but their relationship is complicated by cultural misunderstandings and the fact that Montserrat is not entirely honest about her background. Meanwhile, Fred, who is jaded and cynical, finds himself attracted to two different women: a beautiful Spanish real estate agent and a Finnish tourist.
The film's exploration of cultural differences is one of its strongest elements. Through the interactions of the characters, we see how misunderstandings and nuances can affect people from different backgrounds. Stillman is deft in his portrayal of the Americans in Barcelona, showing how their expectations of Spain clash with the reality of living in a foreign country.
The movie also features stunning cinematography, as the beauty of Barcelona is showcased in almost every scene. The city itself becomes a character, with its cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture providing a stunning backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Barcelona is a witty and intelligent film that explores the complexities of living in a foreign country. Its relatable characters and clever dialogue keep the viewer engaged throughout, and the stunning visuals of the Spanish city provide the perfect backdrop to this romantic comedy-drama.
Barcelona is a 1994 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 74.