Sierra de Ronda: A Dusty Trip Through Spanish Folklore

If you're looking for a breezy Friday night flick, look elsewhere. Sierra de Ronda is the kind of movie that demands you sit still and pay attention to the silence between the lines.

It’s perfect if you’re a fan of old-world melodrama and don't mind a bit of stiffness. If you need pacing that moves faster than a turtle in mud, you are going to hate this.

The cinematography captures those mountains like they’re a character themselves. Sometimes the camera just lingers on a rock formation for way too long. It’s a bit odd, but I found myself zoning out in a good way.

Leo de Córdoba really carries the weight of the screen here. There is this one moment where he stares into the middle distance, and you can practically hear the gears turning in his head. It’s not subtle. It’s definitely not modern acting.

But that’s the point, isn’t it? It feels like watching a play that happens to be captured on film.

The pacing is… well, it’s a choice. There are scenes that feel like they were cut by someone who was falling asleep at the editing desk. Others fly by before you even register what the characters are arguing about.

It reminded me a bit of the slow, methodical nature of The Magic Cup, though with a lot more dirt and shouting. Definitely less polish than Madame Du Barry, which had a certain flair that just isn't present here.

Observations from the couch:

• The lighting in the exterior shots is surprisingly grainy.
• I think one of the background actors is just trying not to laugh in the third act.
• There is a lot of walking. So much walking up hills.
• The soundtrack is mostly just one guy playing a string instrument until your ears start ringing.

Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it something you can tell your friends you watched just to sound sophisticated? Absolutely. It’s uneven, it’s a bit clunky, and it feels like a relic of a time when movies didn't feel the need to explain every single motive to the audience.

I didn't finish it in one sitting. I don't think you're supposed to. Maybe just watch it when it's raining and you have nothing better to do. 🏔️