Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil is a 2017 Spanish film directed by Paul Urkijo Alijo. Set in the Basque Country in the 19th century, the film is a dark and gritty fairy tale featuring supernatural and fantastical elements. The story follows a blacksmith named Patxi, who lives in a remote village and is known for his skill in creating intricate metalwork. He is a reclusive and mysterious figure, who has a traumatic past that haunts him. One day, a young girl named Usue enters the village, seeking refuge from the army of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. She accidentally stumbles upon a cavern in the forest, which is believed to be the entrance to hell.
The blacksmith, who has made a pact with the devil, comes across the girl and is initially reluctant to help her. However, he eventually decides to assist her as he feels a sense of responsibility towards her. As they journey through the dark and treacherous forest, they encounter a host of other characters, including a priest, a group of bandits, and a mysterious figure known as the demon.
The film is a visually stunning masterpiece, with spectacular cinematography, strikingly beautiful landscapes, and impressive visual effects. The stunning Gothic architecture, picturesque landscapes and gorgeous costumes add to the film's overall appeal.
The acting is superb, with Kandido Uranga delivering a powerhouse performance as the brooding and complex blacksmith. He captures the character's depth and complexity with ease, portraying his inner struggles and emotional turmoil convincingly. Uma Bracaglia, who plays the young girl Usue, is also impressive, delivering a nuanced and believable performance.
The film's score, composed by Pascal Gaigne, is a haunting and evocative composition, perfectly capturing the eerie and atmospheric tone of the film.
Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil is a beautifully crafted film, that manages to strike a fine balance between darkness and light, horror and fantasy. The film is a visual delight, with stunning visuals and impressive performances, and is an unmissable watch for anyone who loves dark and twisted fairy tales.
Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.
