Bad Education (2004 film)

Bad Education (Spanish: La mala educación) is a 2004 Spanish drama film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. It stars Gael García Bernal, Fele Martínez, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Lluís Homar, and Javier Cámara. The film explores themes of sexual abuse, identity, desire, and the lasting impact of trauma, specifically focusing on two childhood friends who reunite as adults and confront a shared history marred by the abuse they suffered at the hands of a Catholic priest.

The narrative unfolds through a complex and layered structure, employing flashbacks, film-within-a-film elements, and shifting perspectives. Enrique Goded (Fele Martínez), a film director, is visited by Ignacio Rodriguez (Gael García Bernal), a childhood friend and former classmate. Ignacio presents Enrique with a semi-autobiographical story titled "The Visit," which recounts their experiences at a religious school and the abuse they endured from Father Manolo (Daniel Giménez Cacho).

Intrigued and disturbed by the story, Enrique decides to adapt it into a film. However, as Enrique delves deeper into Ignacio's past, he uncovers a web of secrets, deception, and shifting identities that challenge his understanding of Ignacio and the events that transpired in their youth. The film explores the complicated relationship between the two men, the lingering effects of the abuse they suffered, and the blurring lines between truth and fiction.

Bad Education premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Spanish film to open the festival. It received generally positive reviews and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film is noted for its complex plot, exploration of sensitive themes, and strong performances.