Extasis (1996)

Extasis Poster
Original Title: Éxtasis

Rober, Max and Ona, three young people living on the fringes of society, decide to commit a risky robbery.

Film Summary
"Extasis" is a Spanish crime-drama movie launched in 1996, directed by Mariano Barroso. The film's title, when equated, suggests 'ecstasy' and provides an intricate web of deceptiveness, love, and betrayal.

Main Plot
Set in Madrid, the story focuses on three childhood pals, Rober, Max, and Lola, who are likewise small-time thieves. Rober impersonates Hector's, a millionaire's identity, to rid their dismal life. They aim to trick and rob Hector's dad, who hasn't seen his son in years. Lola, in love with Max, the strategy as it might lead to a harmful slump.

Character Development
As the plot unfolds, characters exist with unique developments that noticeably shift the dynamics of how the narrative unfolds. Rober, played by Javier Bardem, represents the charming and tactical leader. He lets his disguise identity lead him towards the path of success. As he familiarizes himself with the rich lifestyle, he grows to feel sorry for Hector's father, therefore, deeply struggling with his original intention to trick.

Max, played by Daniel Guzman, is the mindful and analytical member, who often questions Rober's strategy regardless of his faithfulness to their relationship. Lola, portrayed by Leire Berrocal, is the female protagonist who extremely enjoys Max however still gets involved in the whole thieving operation due to her inseparable bond with Rober.

Weaves
When Rober and Max unconsciously steal drugs from a dangerous goon and kill him in the process, they find themselves at the crossroads- they need to decide to either escape or deal with the repercussions. Meanwhile, Rober is having a bumpy ride breaking the news to Hector's dad about his true identity, while Hector's dad believes that Rober, camouflaged as Hector, is addicted to heroin. This produces an emotionally intricate scenario that plucks the viewers' heartstrings, giving the narrative a deeply psychological subplot.

The Climax
In the climax, Rober, not able to cope up with his guilt, admits his identity to Hector's father. Being aware of their unfortunate circumstance, he decides to assist all three good friends escape. The last of the movie sees Rober, Max, and Lola leaving Madrid for a fresh new start.

End Hint
In the end, "Extasis" entrusts a suggestive hint that Rober, Max, and Lola will continue leading lives of crime, though in a completely new environment. It mentions the inevitability of their survival techniques.

Conclusion
"Extasis" is a gripping police procedural that explores the boundaries that individuals are willing to push when forced by scenarios. Its mix of psychological subplots and the delights of a crime legend make it a memorable cinematic journey. It informs an amazing story about friendship, love, and the angst of survival that knits the spectators till the end. It also marks a stellar efficiency by Javier Bardem, putting him on the worldwide map as a star of prominence.

In all, "Extasis" provides a tale of fates enmeshed in criminal activity, ultimately depicting that the seed of delinquency, when sown, is challenging to uproot, regardless of how significantly situations might change.

Top Cast

  • Javier Bardem (small)
    Javier Bardem
    Rober
  • Federico Luppi (small)
    Federico Luppi
    Daniel
  • Sílvia Munt (small)
    Sílvia Munt
    Lola
  • Leire Berrocal
    Ona
  • Alfonso Lussón
    Rober's Uncle
  • Guillermo Rodríguez
    Quino
  • Carlos Lucas (small)
    Carlos Lucas
    Man
  • Juan Díaz (small)
    Juan Díaz
    Ona's Brother
  • Daniel Guzmán (small)
    Daniel Guzmán
    Max