Watch If They Tell You I Fell

If They Tell You I Fell is a Spanish drama film directed by Vincente Aranda and released in 1989. Set in the dark days of Franco's Spain during the 1940s, the film chronicles the lives of a group of young artists who struggle with their artistic ambitions amid the oppressive regime. The film follows the journey of a young and naive singer and artist named Isabel (Victoria Abril). Isabel is part of a group of avant-garde artists who frequent a small bohemian club called Coco. Coco is a secret hideaway for artists and intellectuals, including painters, musicians, and writers, who gather to discuss their art and politics.

At Coco, Isabel meets the artist and poet Lope (Jorge Sanz), who becomes her lover and mentor, quickly introducing her to a more radical and political way of thinking. As they fall deeper into their desire for each other, they become more and more disillusioned by the repressive Franco regime, which seeks to crush their dreams and artistic expression.

Despite the danger of expressing their radical views, Isabel and Lope become increasingly involved in the resistance movement. Their artistic collaborations turn into political statements, and they begin to use their art as a tool of subversion. But as they get deeper into the movement, they face grave risks, including imprisonment and torture.

Their relationship becomes even more complicated when a young and handsome medical student, Ramallo (Antonio Banderas), enters their lives. Ramallo falls in love with Isabel, and as their love affair unfolds, Isabel's loyalty to Lope is tested.

As the Franco regime grows more desperate, Isabel and Lope are forced to take ever-greater risks to continue their resistance efforts. They become deeply immersed in the dangerous and violent world of underground resistance, with their lives and futures hanging in the balance.

If They Tell You I Fell is a powerful and emotional film that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and artistic freedom in a time of political turmoil. The performances by the lead actors are excellent and draw you in, with Abril, Sanz, and Banderas all delivering compelling performances. The cinematography captures the gritty and oppressive atmosphere of Franco-era Spain, with some beautiful and poignant scenes of love and creativity contrasted with the brutality of Franco's regime.

What makes this film truly memorable, however, is its powerful message about the importance of artistic freedom and expression. Despite the danger and risk, Isabel, Lope, and their fellow artists never stop creating and expressing themselves in their art. Their example serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can never be truly suppressed.

Overall, If They Tell You I Fell is a thought-provoking and moving film that explores the power of love, art, and political resistance in the face of oppression. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Spanish cinema or political dramas.