The Film (4/5)

Alma (Anna Castillo) is your usual young adult in her 20’s. But things in her life start to turn rough when her grandfather starts to lose the will to live. When she was younger, the family had to cut down the Olive tree in their fields. But this tree held a special meaning to the grandfather, and their bound as granddaughter and father grew threw it. Not willing to face her grandfather’s coming death, she locates the tree and plans to travel to Germany and return it. But during her travels she starts to realize how hard life is.

THE OLIVE TREE (2016, EL OLIVO) is a Spanish and German co-production that tackles traditional family drama in the social media age. It is an intimate family study that is hidden within a larger road movie frame work. Inside the package is a central relationship between Alma and her Grandfather. The two are the closest and the film’s other main relationship is the tough one she faces with her father. Who seems close minded. Like Wim Wender’s PARIS TEXAS (1984), the journey itself is about coming together and proving our love. But also learning to move on when someone close to us passes on. But unlike Harry Dean Stanton in PT, Alma has a family to return too, and it’s strengthen by this personal quest.

On a filmmaking level, Director Iciar Bollain and cinematographer Sergi Gallardo, breathe life into this simple story. The locations in Spain, France, and Germany make the film grand, and the helicopter shots bring a wideness to every scene. The film is also full of subtle humor, and some bigger than life sight gags. Throughout the movie, the big pickup truck is carrying a statue of liberty mockup. During various sections of the film the absurdist humor kicks in as the statue is dragged through rain, mud, and ultimately destroyed.

While the story is traditional, Bollain and crew take advantage of the modern age of social media. Facebook and Skype play a huge role in the developing the plot. The use of a second group of German students adds to the scope and shows how connected we are. But at the same time this view of the internet doesn’t do much, and can be seen as a commentary on today.

Audio/Video (5/5)

Eureka! gives the film a variety of audio options. First up is the 5.1 DTS-HD Spanish track. The sound mix is out of this world with crisp effects and clear music. No hiss or pops. Next up is the 2.0 Stereo track. The music is muffled in a few spots. But the rest of the audio is above average and shines while it comes out of my sound system. Speaking of music, the third track is an isolated music and effects. English subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD transfer is a real marvel. The texture of various items is clearly visible and the black levels are smooth as silk. There’s no noticeable blurry issues or digital noise. The color schemes and the natural locations are all vivid and grand.

Extras (2/5)

Extras are limited to a trailer on the disc. In the Blu-ray case, there is a 23- page of liner notes that talk about the production and the Director’s statement.

Overall (4/5)

OLIVE TREE is a surprisingly big family drama, that doesn’t feel rushed or damming. A fine little movie. Recommended.