“¿Nos hacemos unas pajillas? Pero sin mariconadas, ¡eh!”* – if this phrase does not sound familiar, be sure to read the article below and get into the world of Torrente and several other Spanish comedies.

José Luis Torrente is a character that every Spaniard knows, so if you don't want to feel a bit „left behind” living in this beautiful country, watch at least the first part today and enjoy a completely extraordinary humor. However, we must warn you that this humor is so specific that most will probably not like it, but I dare to say even if you don’t like it you just have to know it.

Torrente, el brazo tonto de la ley - ENG: "Torrente, the stupid hand of justice" 1998

Torrente 2: Misión en Marbella - ENG: "Torrente 2: Mission in Marbella" 2001

Torrente 3: El protector - ENG: "Torrente 3: The Protector" 2005

Torrente 4: Lethal Crisis - PL: "Torrente 4: Mortal Danger" 2011

Torrente 5: Operación Eurovegas - PL: "Torrente 5: Operation Eurovegas" 2014

Although, as we mentioned, Torrente has a very, very specific sense of humor that will definitely not suit most viewers, we definitely include this movie among our favorite Spanish productions. The first part was created in 1998, the action takes place in Madrid and we have the opportunity to meet the expelled from the police, extremly rude Jose. He discovers that they are dealing drugs in a nearby Chinese restaurant and believes that unraveling the case will help him regain his former position. This is how his adventures begin, when he decides to try to solve the huge mystery with a group of his stupid friends. In the second part, as a private detective, he takes us to Marbella, in the third part he plays the role of a bodyguard, in the fourth part he is in prison for a murder he did not commit. In the last, fifth, part, Torrente is released and finds Spain completely different than he expected, so he decides to be "outlawed" and, using his contact from the prison, plans a robbery on a casino in „Ocean's Eleven”’s style. Actor Santiago Segura, who plays the lead role, is also a director. On our list today we have one more production where we can see him. This time he plays the role of a father of five.

"Padre no hay más que uno" 2019

Honestly, at the beginning I did not recognize the actor who plays the main role although I know him very well from his cult role of Torrente. However, I guess we could all admit that since 1998 he has changed a lot. Santiago Segura plays the role of Javier, a father, but above all "brother-in-law – husband". Who is a „brother-in-law - husband”? It’s that guy that never takes care of the house nor children, knows everything better, tells everyone around what to do without doing anything himself and accuses his wife of not being able to organize herself or to take care of the house. Javier finally faces the reality and tries to deal with five children (aged between four and twelve) when his wife decides to go on a trip and leaves him alone. This time we are dealing with definitely more family humor, not as vulgar as in the case of Torrente.

Camepeones - Champions

You definitely have to watch this movie! One of the funniest comedies we've seen (in general, not only when it comes to Spanish cinema). Hilarious production about a professional basketball coach who loses his job because of his rather "explosive" character and decides to drink away his sorrows. After a few deeper ones, he gets behind the wheel and ... drives straight into the police car. By court decision, Marco has to start working as the coach of the disabled basketball team. I cried with laughter!

"Jamón, jamón" - Ham, ham

A 1992 film in which we can see not only the very young Penélope Cruz (here in the role of Silvia) but also a handsome, only 23-year-old actor, Javier Bardem, who plays the role of a young beginner bullfighter Raúl. The story is a confusing, typically Spanish romance that can be summed up in just those three words "everyone with everyone".

José Luis (Jordi Mollà), the son of a wealthy couple who own a men's underwear factory, meets Silvia (Penélope Cruz), who is employed there. When she becomes pregnant, José Luis decides to marry her against the decision of his parents. His mother decides to devise a devilish plan, hires a young, muscular Raúl to seduce a young woman. Things get complicated when Raúl falls in love with Silvia, and she then discovers that everything was planned by her boyfriend's mother.

Sounds like a soap opera? A bit like that, but the humor is really level in my opinion and I can't help but feel very Spanish.

If you were looking for other inspirations, check out the previous entries:

How to become a Basque? Can a Spaniard have super powers? Why is it better not to tell your wife about winning the lottery during your divorce? – You will find answers to these and several other questions in 7 Spanish comedies that we want to recommend to you today

Spanish cinema – films, we have seen recelty and which are definately worth watching.

* in free translation "So maybe we wank each other off. But nothing gay, ok?"