Living Is Easy with Eyes Closed

In 1966, John Lennon finds himself grappling with a profound existential crisis, contemplating the possibility of leaving the iconic Beatles behind for good. In search of new beginnings, he ventures to Almeria, a picturesque town in southern Spain, to shoot Richard Lester’s anti-war black comedy, How I Won the War.

Amid this backdrop, we meet Antonio, a devoted English schoolteacher and fervent fan of the Liverpool quartet. Inspired by his love for the Beatles, he embarks on a road trip from Albacete to Almería with a singular aim: to meet Lennon himself. Notably, he cleverly utilizes the Beatles’ lyrics as a unique way to teach English, yet his journey carries an unusual twist.

During this adventure, Antonio encounters Belén, a young woman escaping the suffocating restrictions imposed by her family and societal norms in Spain. At just 20, she is fleeing from a troubled past, bringing an enigmatic aura to their journey. Along the way, they also meet Juanjo, a rebellious 16-year-old who has run away from home to escape the oppressive grip of his conservative and unyielding father.

With no clear destination in mind, the trio joins forces as they make their way to Almería. Upon their arrival, Juanjo decides to part ways, choosing a solitary walk down the beach. Meanwhile, Antonio persuades Belén to take a break in his room while he seeks a job for Juanjo at a local café.

When Antonio returns, he finds Belén having a moment of vulnerability, leading him to question her wellbeing and discover her pregnancy, prompting a compassionate offer to cover her expenses for the night. Later, while enjoying dinner at the café, they encounter a boisterous local farmer who bullies Juanjo, mocking his appearance. This harrowing moment is disrupted by Café owner Ramón, who shares his own poignant story of love and sacrifice regarding his handicapped son, Bruno.

The story progresses as Juanjo receives his accommodation in the back of the café while Antonio and Belén make their way to their respective rooms. In the early light of dawn, they attempt to access the film set, but the tough Guardia Civil deny them entry without proper invitations. However, through cunning and determination, the trio finds a way to secure their place on set, where Lennon surprises Antonio with his warmth and generosity, even sharing untitled lyrics to Strawberry Fields Forever and offering them marijuana cookies.

Their adventure takes another turn when they encounter the farmer once again—this time, with Antonio advocating for Juanjo’s dignity and urging the young people not to be intimidated or deprived of their aspirations. Upon returning to the café, a tense confrontation awaits as Juanjo’s father is there, leading to Juanjo convincing Belén and his dad to bring her along to Madrid. He believes that she deserves a chance to live on her own terms while he helps her land a job in hairdressing.

As they drive away from Almería, passing the unyielding farmer’s tomato field, Antonio joyfully sings, > “Help!” embodying the spirit of freedom and camaraderie that defines their unforgettable journey together.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:58