El Bola

El Bola (2000) — watch online on iFILM — is a Spanish drama from director Achero Mañas that claimed Goya Awards for Best Film and Best Director. Juan José Ballesta plays the twelve-year-old at the center.

Pablo's nickname at school is El Bola — The Ball. He keeps to himself, avoids friendships, never talks about home. When Alfredo transfers in and Pablo sees what a family without violence looks like, he can't stay distant anymore. The film doesn't explain this in words. It doesn't need to.

Mañas shoots everything at close range and lets Ballesta carry the film with body language alone — the young actor picked up the Goya for Best New Performer as a result. Watch El Bola (2000) online on iFILM.