Watch Los Jinetes del Alba

Los Jinetes del Alba is a Spanish movie set in the early 20th century in a small village in Valderedible, in the north of Spain. It's a romantic drama based on a novel by Jesús Fernández Santos, directed by Vicente Aranda, and produced by Pedro Costa. The plot revolves around a young woman named Marcelina (Victoria Abril) who has three suitors. Marcelina is the protagonist and a wealthy young lady. In the village, there are three men who want to marry her. The three men are Lope (Jorge Sanz), Carmelo (Antonio Valero), and Andrés (Manuel Bandera), and each one of them has different personality and virtues.

Lope is a handsome, quiet, and intelligent man who works as a shepherd for Marcelina's father. He is the closest to her in terms of proximity and they both form a close bond. Lope is poor and feels inferior to Marcelina's wealth, but still loves her deeply. He writes her letters and recites poetry to her.

Carmelo, on the other hand, is Marcelina's cousin, a wealthy young man who has returned to the village after studying in Madrid. He is handsome, well-educated, and charming, and for many people in the village, he is the perfect match for Marcelina. However, his character is not as clean as it appears.

Andrés is a gypsy who travels with his family around Spain but has stopped in the village to get work. He is a musician who plays the guitar and sings. He quickly falls in love with Marcelina's beauty and charm.

The movie's title refers to a group of cowboys who come to the village to buy horses. They are young, daring, and reckless, and Marcelina is fascinated by their freedom and courage. She sneaks out of her house at night to join them.

The movie explores the romantic relationships between Marcelina and the three men, as well as the rivalry and jealousy that arise between them. Despite Marcelina's wealth and position, she struggles to find love and happiness, and the men also face their own demons as they try to win her heart.

The movie's setting is essential to the story, as it takes place at a time when Spain was divided between different social classes, and this is well reflected in the characters' behavior towards each other. The movie also portrays the relationship between the villagers and the gypsies, which was often one of hostility and prejudice.

Aside from the romance, the movie also delves into issues such as honor, betrayal, jealousy, and revenge, all of which are handled well by Aranda's direction and the actors' performances. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with stunning shots of the village's rugged landscapes and the cowboys' wild rides through the mountains.

In summary, Los Jinetes del Alba is a captivating romantic drama that offers a vivid portrayal of early 20th century Spain, its social divisions, and its prejudices. It's a must-watch for fans of Spanish cinema and anyone who appreciates a good love story.