7 Virgins (2005)

A teenager spending his last 90 days at a reformatory is allowed out for a few days to attend his brother's wedding. The brother picks him up during his work shift and drops him at home warning that he should not misbehave lest his future freedom may be jeopardized. The teen does not waste any time getting together with his best friends and other buddies from the local gang. The rest of the film follows the actions of these teens, some from broken families.The essential tension throughout is to know whether the reformatory teen will manage to keep out of trouble. He is surrounded by friends that are a wild bunch. Loyalty to friends, the thought of having to go back to the reformatory and putting the future at risk are clearly in conflict. Temptations are many and events produce their own impetus.The ending reminded me of the French classic "Les 400 Coups".The young actors are very good and the two principals particularly so.

I am a big fan of European Cinema but did not know this young Spanish director (Alberto Rodriguez). I have to say that he is very good and now I can't wait to see his previous film: "The Suit"."7 Virgins" depicts the life of certain teenagers in Andalucia who live their lives to the limit because they feel they have nothing to lose. The young actors are fantastic. I'm not surprised that Juan Jose Ballesta won the Silver Shell at the San Sebastian Film Festival - well deserved! I remember reading that Angelica Huston, who was president of the jury back then, had said that Juan Jose Ballesta was the closest thing she had seen to being a real movie star.

Well... its generic, predictable, and well... living in Spain let me just tell you that this movie wasn't that hard to make and most of the characters in the movie are typical. It may impress foreigners but theses characters are stereotypes of Spanish cinema.Even so... Jesus Carranza does a neat job as Richi, proving that even the most superficial character if done with dignity can be interesting to watch and well... Juan Jose BAllesta probably had fun playing himself.If it wasn't for its twisted ending, the movie would be below average in my opinion, but everything must be said, Did anyone expect Richci to die?

I was lucky enough to see this at the Toronto Film Festival in 2005. It is an excellent film- tight story, exciting, rich characters, phenomenal acting...from NON-ACTORS. Reminiscent of KIDS but so much better because these guys love women, instead of trying to infect them. Has the same fast pace, families that disappoint, meeting up with friends, harm, trouble, petty crime. The story is basically about a teen and what he does on leave from juvenile hall/prison for the weekend, somewhere in Spain. So, so, so good!! Why hasn't this been distributed?? It would do well in the theatres and certainly on DVD if it had advertising. I was amazed with the quality of this film and that it had not been seen by many audiences. Someone should pick up this film.