I cannot believe that I am the first one commenting on this movie. I've bought this on blu-ray from a small independent German label because the label boss recommended it to me and after watching it I have to say: Wow. This is one of the most absurd and craziest movies I've seen in a long time. It is full of morbid black humor with a touch of social criticism, and tells the story of a guy who has build himself a little paradise in a shopping mall that he works in. But after years and years of perfection his life takes a turn for the worse (quote): "In this moment I realized that hell existed. And the devil existed as well. He wears a skirt, a girdle and an incarnadine bra!" This movie isn't for everyone, but everyone who loves angry humor, exaggerations and caricatures, everybody who is open for movie that is truly different (quote from the director in the audio commentary: "We actually did **everything** exactly in the opposite way then they teach you in literature") will find a little movie pearl, full of references and tributes to great directors of our time. Stile-wise we get a really crazy mixture of drama, thriller, horror and comedy, great camera works, that manages to show the same set once like being in paradise and then fearful and claustrophobic. The Set is great and timeless, even though this movie is now 15 years old you get the feeling that it could play just today - or in the 60s or 70s. Some of the scenes are so absurd (for instance while one of the detective is in a dialogue with another person, his partner all of a sudden and with no reason starts to play with a plaster this guy is wearing and then starts padding his face - all this happens without any interruptions of the Dialogue). There are a lot of details you won't get when watching it the first time and I had to watch it a second time right after the first time (this time with audio commentary). The actors are - unfortunately - rather unknown, because they are local Spanish actors - nonetheless they are really great actors: Guillermo Toledo for instance plays a character that is totally lovable even though he is an unsympathetic despicable person. On the other end we get Mónica Cervera who has to do the same thing - but in opposite order. While we start to sympathize for the asshole, Cervera is sympathetic right from the get go and over the movie you start thinking "oh my god, please help me, that woman is crazy!". Also Enrique Villén plays a character that you will remember. The story itself is in no way foreseeable - you will be totally captivated. And everything is managed with an absolutely low budget. This movie is really really great fun. A must see, and a recommendation for anyone that shares my sense of humor :D

I found it very funny, but it is the kind of film that is not trying to be lovable so much as slightly uncomfortable while making you laugh. It has that very specific Álex de la Iglesia tone: characters pushed to extremes, situations that become more and more absurd, and the constant feeling that everything is one step away from exploding. What I liked most is the way it turns something as ordinary as a department store into a kind of grotesque jungle. Everything is exaggerated, of course, but it works because the film never tries to hide it. It goes all in with its black humor, its nastiness, and that rather cruel at ambition, appearance, and mediocrity. Guillermo Toledo is very good in the role of a man who is absurdly pleased with himself, ridiculous and pathetic at the same time. And Mónica Cervera, for me, steals the whole film. Her character is uncomfortable, excessive, and deeply sad all at once, and that is exactly why she leaves such a strong impression. I also really like the pace. The film rushes forward almost without letting you breathe, and Álex de la Iglesia knows how to move the camera, the bodies, and the space with an energy that makes everything feel controlled even when it becomes more and more outrageous. That is where his touch is most obvious. I do think there are moments when it goes a bit too far, as often happens with him, and not everything is at exactly the same level. But even when he pushes too hard, there is still a very clear personality behind it. This is not just any comedy, and it has no interest in being one. Overall, I think it is a very good black comedy: very funny, pretty twisted, and driven by a powerful visual and narrative style. It is not subtle, of course, but it does not need to be. Once it embraces its madness, it works very well.