Watch Talk of Angels

Talk of Angels is a romantic drama film set in 1950s Spain. Directed by Nick Hamm, it stars Polly Walker as Mary Lavelle, a young Irish woman who moves to Spain to work as a governess for a wealthy family. Vincent Perez plays Francisco Areavaga, the handsome son of the family, and Franco Nero plays Don Alberto, the domineering patriarch.

As Mary adjusts to life in Spain, she becomes increasingly drawn to Francisco, despite the disapproval of his family and the strict social codes of the time. Francisco is also attracted to Mary, but is torn between his feelings and his loyalty to his family. Meanwhile, Mary's interactions with the other staff and locals reveal the deep political and social divisions of Spain under Franco's dictatorship.

The film is based on the novel Mary Lavelle by Kate O'Brien and explores themes of love, class, and political turmoil. Polly Walker delivers a nuanced performance as Mary, conveying both her worldly experience and her vulnerabilities. Vincent Perez is equally impressive as Francisco, portraying a complex character struggling to reconcile his desires with his responsibilities. Franco Nero brings gravitas to his role as Don Alberto, capturing the authoritarianism and isolation of a man trapped by his own power.

The cinematography is one of the highlights of the film, showcasing the rugged natural beauty of Spain and the contrast between the opulent estate and the poverty of the surrounding villages. The soundtrack, featuring traditional Spanish music and original compositions by composer Dee Johnson, also adds to the film's immersive atmosphere.

Although Talk of Angels received mixed reviews upon its release, it remains a compelling portrait of a particular moment in Spanish history and a timeless exploration of the human heart. The chemistry between Polly Walker and Vincent Perez is palpable, and the film's final moments are both poignant and heartbreaking.

Overall, Talk of Angels is a beautifully crafted film that will appeal to fans of historical dramas, romance, and strong performances.

Talk of Angels is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.