I am a big fan of European Cinema but did not know this young Spanish director (Alberto Rodriguez). I have to say that he is very good and now I can't wait to see his previous film: "The Suit"."7 Virgins" depicts the life of certain teenagers in Andalucia who live their lives to the limit because they feel they have nothing to lose. The young actors are fantastic. I'm not surprised that Juan Jose Ballesta won the Silver Shell at the San Sebastian Film Festival - well deserved! I remember reading that Angelica Huston, who was president of the jury back then, had said that Juan Jose Ballesta was the closest thing she had seen to being a real movie star.

'7 virgenes' succeeds to raise above its genre. The action happens in a suburb in Spain with the principal character getting out from a juvenile institution for 48 hours in order to attend his brother's wedding. How will he use the time, how will he catch with the time spent inside and reconnect with the real world. Director Alberto Rodríguez's hero does not want or does not seem capable to disconnect from the habits of his past, all the teenage heroes actually seem to be caught in a circle of violence and small crime that they do try to escape. Without falling into melodrama or making any strong social comment the movie focuses instead on the psychology of the hero and of his friend, the horizon or the lack of horizon of their lives and future. Succeeding to produce a well acted film, with a good sense of rhythm and a dose of sympathy for the characters at the fringe of the society director Alberto Rodríguez shows here a talent that may show up more obviously if and when he will approach some more interesting themes.

Well... its generic, predictable, and well... living in Spain let me just tell you that this movie wasn't that hard to make and most of the characters in the movie are typical. It may impress foreigners but theses characters are stereotypes of Spanish cinema.Even so... Jesus Carranza does a neat job as Richi, proving that even the most superficial character if done with dignity can be interesting to watch and well... Juan Jose BAllesta probably had fun playing himself.If it wasn't for its twisted ending, the movie would be below average in my opinion, but everything must be said, Did anyone expect Richci to die?

I saw this film because I only was interested. It seemed to me that it would be quite good. But I was mistaken. The argument is not bad, but it would be possible to be improved. The direction is very good, and some actors also are. Jesús Carroza as Richi is spectacular, is very funny and he acts very very good. He's great in this film. He deserved that Goya award. The other actors are also good, but Juan José Ballesta is not. Apparently, he thinks that he can receive another Goya award, as he did in 2001 in "El Bola". He is a good actor, but in this film I didn't like him. The film in itself is not bad (I think it's fair that it did not get the Goya award) but I would not like to have to see it more than once. It would never do that. The youthful public will love this movie, but not the adults, I think. Perhaps, if you see this movie, you won't be sorry, but I sincerely didn't like it much. See it if you are interested in films about vain and insolent boys.