Lucky Star
A lonely man builds a fragile family with an assaulted pregnant woman, only to face the criminal past that binds her to him.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- melancholic
- sober
- intimate
- reflective evening
- arthouse film night
What critics said
Critics and audiences broadly regarded the film as a powerful, well-acted Spanish drama, though some considered its grimness, erotic scenes, and treatment of euthanasia problematic.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Rafael offers to become the father of Marina's unborn child despite being unable to sire children, and the couple builds a household together.
Daniel's release from prison and reappearance threaten the family Rafael and Marina have established.
The rescue, pregnancy, disability, criminal history, and family conflict are presented through a grave, unsentimental dramatic register.
Rafael's infertility leads him to assume fatherhood through care and commitment rather than biological parentage.
Films like Lucky Star, and why
The Sweet Hereafter
shared themes of damaged people forming an unconventional family amid violence, with a sober and emotionally bruising dramatic tone
Secrets & Lies
shared intimate social realism, morally complex relationships, and compassion for marginalized characters
Breaking the Waves
shared bleak domestic drama, troubled outsiders, and an atmosphere of emotional unease surrounding family bonds
Movie Details
- Director
- Ricardo Franco
- Release Date
- 1997-05-30
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (43)
Cast
- Antonio Resines
- Maribel Verdú
- Jordi Mollà
- Ramón Barea
- Clara Sanchís
- Elvira Mínguez
- Andrea Ramírez
- Lola Franco
- Francisco Marsó
- Sonia Cuellar
Common questions
- What is Lucky Star about?
- A lonely man builds a fragile family with an assaulted pregnant woman, only to face the criminal past that binds her to him.
- What is Lucky Star like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Lucky Star as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Lucky Star violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Lucky Star as moderate.
- What did critics think of Lucky Star?
- Critics and audiences broadly regarded the film as a powerful, well-acted Spanish drama, though some considered its grimness, erotic scenes, and treatment of euthanasia problematic.
- Which films are like Lucky Star?
- Films with a similar feel include The Sweet Hereafter, Secrets & Lies, and Breaking the Waves.
- How long is Lucky Star?
- Lucky Star runs 95 minutes.
