The Tombs (1991)

A searing Argentine drama that exposes the violence and despair endured by a young boy trapped inside a brutal reform school.

The Tombs - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Las tumbas
  • Release Year: 1991
  • Directed by: Javier Torre
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Drama
  • Runtime: 1h 30m
  • Original Language: Spanish
  • Spoken Languages: Spanish
  • Release Date (Theatrical): August 8, 1991 (Argentina)
  • Production Companies: Argentina Sono Film, La Maga Films, TVE
  • Production Countries: Spain, Argentina

The Tombs - Plot

"El Pollo," a 13-year-old child in reform school, witnesses and experiences the brutalization of the guards and the other inmates.

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The Tombs - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Javier Torre

Main Cast

  • Norma Aleandro
  • Federico Luppi
  • Jorge Mayor
  • Isabel Quinteros
  • Lidia Catalano
  • Sara Benítez
  • Miguel Dedovich
  • Pompeyo Audivert
  • Andrés Tiengo
  • Julio Arrieta

Writers

  • Javier Torre

The Tombs - FAQs

What is The Tombs about?

The Tombs follows "El Pollo," a 13-year-old boy sent to a reform school where he is forced to confront the daily violence inflicted by guards and fellow inmates alike. The film is a raw, unflinching look at institutional cruelty and the loss of childhood innocence within a broken system.

Who are the main actors in The Tombs?

The Tombs features a strong Argentine cast led by Norma Aleandro and Federico Luppi, two of the country's most celebrated screen performers. They are joined by Jorge Mayor, Isabel Quinteros, Lidia Catalano, Sara Benítez, Miguel Dedovich, Pompeyo Audivert, Andrés Tiengo, and Julio Arrieta.

Who directed The Tombs?

The Tombs was directed by Javier Torre, who also wrote the screenplay. Torre is an Argentine filmmaker known for socially engaged storytelling, and this film stands as one of his most powerful works, drawing attention to the harsh realities faced by children inside reform institutions.

When was The Tombs released?

The Tombs was released on August 8, 1991, in Argentina. The film is a Spanish-Argentine co-production, made with the involvement of Argentina Sono Film, La Maga Films, and TVE, the Spanish public broadcaster.

Is The Tombs based on a true story?

The Tombs is not directly based on a single documented true story, but it draws on the very real and well-documented conditions inside Argentine reform schools of the era. The film reflects systemic abuses that were widely reported, giving its fictional narrative a strong grounding in social reality.

What language is The Tombs in?

The Tombs is entirely in Spanish. It is a co-production between Spain and Argentina, and the film was shot with a Spanish-speaking cast, reflecting the shared language and cultural ties between the two countries that made the collaboration possible.

How long is The Tombs?

The Tombs runs for 90 minutes, making it a compact and intense viewing experience. The film wastes no time establishing its grim setting and keeps the tension tightly wound throughout, delivering its emotional impact without overstaying its welcome.

Where can I watch The Tombs online?

Streaming availability for The Tombs varies by region and platform. For the most up-to-date information on where you can watch or rent the film, check JustWatch, which tracks current streaming options across all major platforms in your country.

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