Begin the Beguine (film)


Begin the Beguine is a 1982 Spanish film written and directed by José Luis Garci, starring Antonio Ferrandis. The plot follows the story of a Spaniard who returns to his homeland after many years in exile when he wins the Nobel Prize in Literature. Its original Spanish title, Volver a Empezar, means Starting Again.
The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 55th Academy Awards, and was the first Spanish film to do so.

Plot

The film tells the story of Antonio Albajara, a renowned Spanish writer who returns to his hometown after 40 years, triggering memories of his past and exploring themes of love, loss, and personal fulfillment.
The film opens with Antonio Albajara, a Nobel Prize-winning writer, embarking on a journey back to his roots in his hometown of Gijón, revisiting the places and people that shaped his early years.
Now, decades later, Antonio reconnects with old friends and acquaintances. He encounters Elena, a woman with whom he who was once in love and for whom he has carried a torch all these years. Their reunion sparks a renewed connection and rekindles their long-held feelings.
The plot also connects Antonio's exile and life abroad with the Spanish political events during the mid-20th century, and the impact of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco in the life of those that left the country at the end of the 1930s. A phone conversation with King Juan Carlos I at the beginning of the movie represents the new openness of Spain after the death of Franco in 1975.
Throughout the film, Antonio's relationship with Elena is a central thread. They navigate their complicated history and the possibilities of starting anew. The film explores the deep bond and unfulfilled love between the two characters, as they grapple with their shared memories and the choices they made.

Cast

Awards