The political and social climate of the Basque country of Spain is constantly in flux, yet the cows of the region are steadfast and calm, observing the unusual changing human culture without reaction. This is one of the themes of Julio Medem's (LOVERS OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE) insightful film about the insecure government and often frightening living situation in Spain. The film follows the path of one man who in the late 1800s nearly dies during a feud on the family farm. To save himself, he covers his body in the blood of a dead friend and lies still. The film moves forward under the gaze of the cows as the man grows old. He now paints the cows and their calm, emotionless stares. A love affair between his grandson and the granddaughter of his deceased friend begins to spark. The film ends in the Civil War of 1936 when an illegitimate son appears in the old man's life. This 1992 Spanish feature is a powerful work from an underrated figure in world cinema.