Watch Yoyes

Yoyes is a Spanish biographical drama film released in the year 2000, directed by Helena Taberna. The movie depicts the real-life story of a woman named Dolores Gonzalez Catarain, who was popularly known as Yoyes. The movie portrays the journey of Yoyes from being a member of the Basque separatist group ETA to her eventual assassination by the members of the same group.

Ana Torrent stars as Yoyes, a woman who was passionate about the Basque language and culture, which eventually led her to the ETA group. In the early days, Yoyes was seen as a revolutionary hero. However, Yoyes began to question the methods and tactics used by the ETA as she matured. She found the violent approach of the ETA to be counterproductive and discovered the importance of negotiating with the government.

As Yoyes begins to distance herself from the ETA, she seeks to reconcile with her past and make amends for the harm caused by her violent actions. Yoyes decides to return to her hometown, where she reconnects with her family and her childhood friend (Ernesto Alterio). Yoyes also becomes actively involved in local politics and begins to use her influence to promote the Basque culture and language in a non-violent way.

Despite her decision to stop using violence as a means to an end, Yoyes is constantly threatened by the ETA group. The tension is palpable, and Yoyes is aware that her efforts to promote a peaceful movement are putting her life in danger.

Ana Torrent is excellent in her portrayal of Yoyes. She does justice to the character's passion, determination, and struggle. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Florence Pernel playing a French journalist who becomes Yoyes's friend and confidant.

One of the most commendable aspects of Yoyes is the way it portrays the ETA group. The film neither glorifies nor demonizes the group but instead provides a nuanced depiction of the organization's motivations and ideologies. The film highlights the complex dynamics within the group and how even those who disagreed with violent actions struggled to break free.

The cinematography and sound design are noteworthy. The camera captures the charming beauty of the Basque Country, its lush landscapes, and its distinctive architecture. The sound design makes use of traditional Basque music, which adds a layer of authenticity to the movie.

Overall, Yoyes is a touching and thought-provoking biopic that explores the themes of violence, identity, and redemption. The film presents an important chapter in the history of the Basque Country and provides a compelling insight into the world of the ETA group. A must-watch for anyone interested in Spanish history and politics.