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Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) (2011) movie poster

Timeline

Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) (2011) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2011 · 103 min · Spanish
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Directed by
Icíar Bollaín

During the filming of a historical drama about Christopher Columbus in Bolivia, a director and his crew find themselves caught up in social unrest and protests against the privatization of water. As they attempt to recreate a pivotal moment in history, they are forced to confront the parallels between the Spanish conquest of the Americas five centuries ago and the struggles of the Bolivian people today. The experience profoundly impacts their perspectives and challenges their understanding of colonialism and its enduring legacy.

On this page (5)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) (2011) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Arrival in Cochabamba

    Mexican filmmaker Sebastián and Spanish producer Costa arrive in the heart of Bolivia, aiming to create a film about Christopher Columbus's journey to the New World. Their project seeks to highlight the impact of Spanish colonialism on the indigenous peoples of Hispaniola, laying the groundwork for the film's narrative.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  2. Casting Call

    An open casting call draws a large crowd of eager Bolivian locals, reflecting the community's desire to participate in the film. Sebastián, recognizing the talent among the hopefuls, chooses Daniel, a passionate local, to portray the rebellious Taíno chief Hatuey.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  3. Tensions Rise During Auditions

    During the auditions, the directors face backlash as they begin to turn away aspiring actors. Daniel stands up for the rights of these hopefuls, passionately arguing that everyone deserves a fair chance, which surprises Sebastián and raises tension among the crew.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  4. Discovery of Daniel's Activism

    As filming starts, Costa discovers Daniel's involvement in local protests against a controversial water privatization plan. This revelation escalates Costa's unease about hiring Daniel, even while Sebastián remains focused on the film and its message.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  5. Columbus Actor Struggles

    Anton, the actor portraying Columbus, faces personal demons as he grapples with alcoholism during shooting. The pressures of the film and the local conflicts around them contribute to the growing tension among the cast and crew.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  6. Derogatory Remarks

    Costa makes insensitive remarks about the locals in English, unaware that Daniel can understand him. This incident initiates Daniel's realization of the exploitation faced by his community, leading to increased fervor in his activism.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  7. Indigenous Protests Erupt

    As frustrations boil over among the indigenous people regarding their rights to water, they rise up in protest. Daniel takes on a leadership role, showing unwavering resolve despite Costa's urged caution and the risky climate surrounding their film’s production.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  8. Brutality of the Police

    Amidst escalating riots, Daniel is brutally beaten by police officers while leading the protests. This shocking event serves as a rallying point for further resistance among the locals and provides a stark contrast to the film they are producing.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  9. Daniel's Imprisonment

    Despite accepting a bribe from Costa, which was meant to silence him, Daniel chooses instead to stand by the protestors. This decision leads to his imprisonment, further igniting the tension surrounding the production and the personal stakes for the crew.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  10. Securing Daniel’s Release

    Sebastián is conflicted about completing the film while worried about Daniel's fate. However, Costa's determination shines through as he arranges a bribe to ensure Daniel's release for filming a pivotal scene depicting Hatuey's execution.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  11. Escape from Police Detainment

    After filming the tense execution scene, police return to arrest Daniel again. In a surprising turn of events, the extras from the film rally together to orchestrate his escape, showcasing the strength of community amidst chaos.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  12. Concerns Among Actors

    Following the incident, actors Juan and Alberto express their concerns about the situation in Cochabamba and demand to leave the project. Sebastián passionately implores them to stay, reflecting the crew's commitment amidst adversity.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  13. Search for Belén

    Costa is approached by Daniel's wife, Teresa, who desperately seeks his help in finding their daughter Belén. Despite initial hesitation, Costa is moved by Teresa’s relentless appeals, showcasing the bonds formed under pressure.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  14. Finding Belén

    After navigating the chaotic streets of Cochabamba, Costa and Teresa locate Belén, who requires urgent medical attention due to her injuries. Although her life is saved, the damage to her leg may severely impact her future.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia
  15. Closure and Hope

    While the crew faces a military blockade and the imminent collapse of their film project, Costa receives a vial of Bolivian water from Daniel as a gesture of gratitude. Despite the turmoil, this signifies hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

    Where
    Cochabamba, Bolivia

Last updated: November 08, 2024 at 02:57

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Timeline questions answered

Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) (2011): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why is Daniel arrested during filming?

Daniel is arrested because of his involvement in local protests against water privatization. Although Costa bribes him to tone down his activism, Daniel uses the money to support the demonstrators instead of staying quiet. His continued leadership in the protests leads to his imprisonment by police.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Costa discovers Daniel's activism and grows uneasy about hiring him, foreshadowing the conflict to come.

  • daniel arrest
  • water protests
  • cochabamba
  • imprisonment
Q2

Does Daniel understand English when Costa makes derogatory remarks?

Yes, Daniel understands English despite Costa being unaware. When Costa makes derogatory remarks about the locals in English, believing Daniel cannot understand him, Daniel becomes aware of the exploitation his people face. This realization strengthens his resolve to continue his activism.

Foreshadowing: This incident occurs early in filming, setting up the tension between Costa and Daniel.

  • daniel
  • costa
  • english
  • misunderstanding
  • exploitation
Q3

Why does Daniel accept Costa's bribe but then help the protesters?

Daniel accepts the substantial bribe from Costa, likely out of financial desperation, but he immediately uses the money to assist the demonstrators rather than silence himself. This choice demonstrates that his commitment to the protest cause outweighs personal financial gain, leading to his imprisonment.

Foreshadowing: Costa's bribe attempt happens after Daniel is beaten by police, showing Costa's attempt to control the situation.

  • bribe
  • daniel
  • protest
  • cochabamba
  • betrayal
Q4

Why do the film extras help Daniel escape from police?

The film extras, who are local Bolivians, rally together to help Daniel escape after filming the execution scene of Hatuey. Their action is a spontaneous display of solidarity with Daniel's activism and reflects their understanding of the historical rebellion being depicted in the film, making the parallel between fiction and reality tangible.

Foreshadowing: This moment connects the film they're making, about indigenous resistance, to the real-life protest happening around them.

  • extras escape
  • daniel
  • police
  • community
  • solidarity
Q5

What happens to Belén and why is her injury significant?

Belén, Daniel's daughter who also has a role in the film, goes missing during the protests and is critically injured. When Costa and Teresa find her, her life is saved but her leg sustains severe damage that may permanently affect her mobility. This tragedy personalizes the violence of the protests and impacts Daniel personally.

Foreshadowing: Daniel's activism puts his family at risk, and Teresa's desperate plea for help foreshadows Belén's condition.

  • belen
  • injury
  • teresa
  • daniel
  • 腿
  • missing
Q6

How does the water privatization protest relate to the movie they're filming?

The film depicts Spanish colonization and the rebellion led by Hatuey against Spanish authority. The real-world water privatization protests in Cochackbarba mirror this historical struggle, the indigenous people fighting against foreign exploitation and for control of their natural resources. The film crew becomes entangled in this modern rebellion, forcing them to confront the parallels between past and present colonialism.

Foreshadowing: The film's subject matter about indigenous resistance was chosen precisely to highlight similar struggles, making the coincidence with real events symbolically powerful.

  • water privatization
  • cochabamba
  • hatuey
  • colonialism
  • historical parallel
Q7

Why does Costa help find Belén after initially refusing?

Initially hesitant, Costa is moved by Teresa's relentless desperation to find her missing daughter. Despite Sebastián's objections, Costa agrees to help because the situation has become urgent, Belén is critically injured and possibly dying. This marks a turning point where Costa shifts from being a detached producer to someone actively caring about the locals beyond the film.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Costa makes derogatory remarks about locals and bribes Daniel, showing his transformation from indifference to compassion.

  • costa
  • belen
  • teresa
  • help
  • transformation
Q8

What is the significance of the vial of water at the end?

Daniel gives Costa a vial of Bolivian water as a gift of gratitude for helping save Belén's life. This gesture symbolizes hope, healing, and the connection formed between the filmmakers and the local community. It also represents the preciousness of water, the very thing the protests were fought over, now given as a token of appreciation rather than taken by corporations.

Foreshadowing: The water vial echoes the central conflict of the protests and the film's thematic focus on exploitation of natural resources.

  • water vial
  • daniel
  • hope
  • gratitude
  • ending
Q9

Why does Sebastián want to continue filming despite the chaos?

Sebastián wrestles with his conscience about whether the film can even be completed given the surrounding chaos, but he finds encouragement from Costa's determination to push forward. Sebastián believes in the film's message about colonialism and wants to complete it, viewing the production as meaningful despite, or perhaps because of, the real-world events unfolding around them.

Foreshadowing: Sebastián's commitment to telling the story of Hatuey's rebellion reflects his belief in the importance of this historical narrative.

  • sebastian
  • film completion
  • determination
  • hatuey
Q10

Why is Anton struggling as the Columbus actor?

Anton, the actor portraying Columbus, grapples with alcoholism during the filming. The pressures of the production combined with the intense and chaotic environment of the protests contribute to his personal struggles, affecting his performance and the overall mood on set.

Foreshadowing: This subplot adds to the mounting tensions and reflects the psychological toll the production faces.

  • anton
  • alcoholism
  • columbus
  • actor struggles

Movie threads

More Movies Like Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia), by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about art clashing with reality like Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia)

Films where the making of a story becomes entangled with the real world it represents. For viewers who liked Even the Rain, these movies explore similar themes where a film or stage production becomes intertwined with real-world political or social conflicts. If you enjoy thought-provoking stories about the responsibilities of artists and the impact of art on society, you'll find compelling narratives here.

  • meta-narrative
  • thought-provoking
  • urgent
  • gritty
  • confrontational
  • morally complex
  • Tone: tense, confrontational, thought-provoking
  • Pacing: steady, deliberate
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a creative endeavor that becomes a catalyst for or is disrupted by real-world events. The narrative often involves a meta-commentary, where the themes of the art being created reflect or directly influence the unfolding real-life drama, leading to moral and ethical dilemmas for the creators.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here because they share a core structure of a story-within-a-story, a tense and confrontational tone, and a heavy emotional weight derived from the collision of artistic idealism with harsh reality. The pacing is often steady, building towards a climactic moment where the two worlds fully intersect.

Movies with historical parallels like Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia)

Dramas that draw powerful parallels between past exploitation and present-day struggles. If you were fascinated by how Even the Rain connects the Spanish conquest to modern water privatization, this collection is for you. Discover other powerful films that use historical allegory to illuminate current social unrest, exploitation, and activism, offering a thought-provoking double narrative.

  • social justice
  • historical allegory
  • urgent
  • thought-provoking
  • somber
  • hopeful
  • Tone: somber, urgent, bittersweet
  • Pacing: steady, layered
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves two timelines or narrative layers—one historical, one contemporary—that mirror each other. The plot explores how the structures and injustices of the past are replicated or challenged in the present, often leading to a moral awakening for the characters as they recognize these enduring cycles.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a specific thematic and structural approach: using a historical lens to critique modern issues. They deliver a heavy emotional impact through their urgent, socially conscious themes and a bittersweet tone, mixing the gravity of historical tragedy with the precarious hope of modern resistance.

Every angle

Even the Rain (Tambien la Lluvia) (2011) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

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