CLAIRE KEARNS has been to see Bombon at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford and has sent us her review!

Overall this is an easy-going film that plods along at a pleasant pace. On the surface, the theme of a luckless downtrodden central character, Juan Villegas, seemed quite light-hearted but it was juxtaposed with a deeper, subversive undercurrent; the plight of the working class male and his consequential suffering dignity in an ever-changing economic and social climate.

The film touches on issues such as adult illiteracy, unemployment and offers a possible subtext of emasculation. You can't help but wonder if the role of the dog is emblematic of Juan's lost masculine pride.

There is a concurrent feelgood factor as the director cleverly nurtures the audience to empathise and engage with Juan. And as his luck showed promise of turning around I found myself feeling pensive of possible foreboding mishaps, and yet optimistic as this film promotes a definite sense of good things happening to good people; a dying, albeit romanticised, sentiment more often reserved for 'chick-flicks'.

As for comedy value, there are no belly laughs here! Rather a gentler, subtle humour in keeping with the sensitivity with which the film is construed. This subtlety was echoed throughout the films narrative and made for relaxing and comfortable viewing, with the option of thought provocation!