Going Down in Morocco (1989)

Going Down in Morocco Poster
Original Title: Bajarse al moro

A girl, who lives together with her cousin who earns some money by dealing and her boyfriend who is a policeman, is regularly transporting some drugs from Marocco for her cousin. As all of them smoke grass from time to time there is need for more. Deciding to take a friend of hers who has just left home down to Marocco for a transport she gets problems because it is the first time for her friend and this makes it difficult. But as all are very open minded there is no problem they would not try to solve. Written by Volker Boehm

Movie Introduction
"Decreasing in Morocco" (original title "Bajarse al Moro") is a 1989 Spanish film directed by Fernando Colomo and composed by Joaquín Oristrell and Fernando Colomo, based upon the play of the very same name by José Luis Alonso de Santos. Housed under the classification of comedy and drama, this movie is a portrait of Madrid's society in the late 80s, portraying a strong criticism of the political situation in Spain with a funny and light-hearted touch.

Plot Synopsis
The film focuses on the stories of 2 females, Chusa and Jaimito. Chusa, who resides in a confined Madrid home, is a free-spirited woman involved in drug peddling, while Jaimito is her cousin who is madly in love with her. Chusa frequently travels to Morocco to purchase cannabis, which she smuggles back into Spain and offers. Due to her failure to travel to Morocco for her next trip, she coaxes Jaimito, an unemployed and innocent young man, to do her bidding.

All goes awry when Jaimito, lacking in both street knowledge and the necessary blowing, abandons his task before finishing it, leaving Chusa and her business in a tricky situation. Amidst the turmoil, Chusa finds herself needing to look after Elena. Elena, a good friend of Chusa, is a recently married yet dissatisfied lady who soon ends up leaving her violent and terrible spouse, pertaining to deal with Chusa and Jaimito in their confined home.

Character Dynamics and Conflicts
Through the course of the movie, the characters deal with different personal and social battles, along with emotional development. Chusa discovers herself drawn towards Elena, sparking a romantic stress in between her and Jaimito. This love triangle raises the drama and comedy within the story.

Social Commentary
"Going Down in Morocco" wittily discuss the lives and battles of the working class, the black market, and contrasting cultures. The film employs humor to highlight serious subjects, like drug trafficking, violence, sexual freedom, and social inequality, making it a socially reflective funny.

Creative Merit
The movie's representation of Madrid's society and its competent mix of funny and drama have amassed much gratitude. It flourishes on the strength of well-etched characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and a well balanced story, all of which leads to a funny yet thought-provoking film.

Critical Response
"Going Down in Morocco" normally received positive feedback from critics, valued for its cleverness and boldness in resolving controversial subjects, while preserving an easy, light-hearted comedy. It's a fitting picture of Spain's urban scenarios during the late 80s and continues to be celebrated for its cultural significance and narrative charisma.

In Conclusion
"Going Down in Morocco" is an insightful expedition into Madrid's society in the late 80s, filled with humor, drama, and an apt portrayal of people dealing with life's quirkiness. The film utilizes comedy as an effective gadget to shed light on the truths of life, drug trafficking, and cultural contrasts in between Spain and Morocco. With remarkable performances, special storyline, and a punch of social commentary, it remains an influential movie even decades after its release.

Top Cast

  • Verónica Forqué (small)
    Verónica Forqué
    Chusa
  • Antonio Banderas (small)
    Antonio Banderas
    Alberto
  • Juan Echanove (small)
    Juan Echanove
    Jaimito
  • Aitana Sánchez-Gijón (small)
    Aitana Sánchez-Gijón
    Elena
  • Chus Lampreave (small)
    Chus Lampreave
    Doña Antonia
  • Miguel Rellán (small)
    Miguel Rellán
    Cura
  • Francisco Merino (small)
    Francisco Merino
    Don Mariano
  • Amparo Valle (small)
    Amparo Valle
    Madre de Elena
  • Manuel Huete
    Vecino
  • Ricardo Palacios
    Naturista
  • Ofelia Angélica (small)
    Ofelia Angélica
    Angelita