Kidnapping, cash, and chaos: spain's forgotten 80s crime wave
Move over, 'Anatomy of a Moment.' Movistar Plus+ is excavating another forgotten corner of Spain's recent past, this time not with a political coup, but with a brazen kidnapping that shook the nation. 'One Hundred Million' (Cien Millones) isn't just a recounting of the 1981 abduction of FC Barcelona striker Enrique Castro, better known as 'Quini'; it's a vibrant, darkly comedic time capsule of a country grappling with economic turmoil, ETA violence, and a rising crime rate.
A trio's desperate gamble
The series smartly avoids the trap of a gritty, predictable thriller. Instead, it introduces us to Alfonso, Jorge, and Salva, three hapless mechanics drowning in debt. Their lives, a monotonous cycle of meager repairs and unpaid bills, take a surreal turn when they spot a newspaper headline: ETA has just extracted 30 million pesetas in a lightning-fast kidnapping. A spark of improbable ambition ignites – what if they could orchestrate their own, far more lucrative, abduction?
Their target? Quini, Spain's beloved football star. The plan, initially conceived as a ludicrous joke, quickly morphs into a desperate project fueled by the promise of financial salvation. The execution, however, is anything but smooth. Maintaining a high-profile hostage proves surprisingly costly, and the trio's utter lack of criminal experience—and, crucially, their lack of malice—becomes a significant obstacle. It’s a refreshing twist: amateurs attempting something profoundly illegal, driven by desperation rather than malice.
More than a crime story: a portrait of an era
But 'One Hundred Million' transcends the confines of a simple crime procedural. The series meticulously recreates the atmosphere of early 1980s Spain, a nation wrestling with crippling unemployment, the shadows of ETA bombings, and a pervasive sense of unease. The details are exquisite: smoky neighborhood bars, dimly lit discotheques, the stark contrast between the aspirational lifestyles flaunted in magazines like Lecturas and the everyday struggles of ordinary families. The production design is a triumph, from the vintage vehicles to the meticulously chosen wardrobe, transporting viewers directly to that pivotal moment in Spanish history. The soundtrack, a playful mix of iconic Spanish tracks ranging from Leño’s “Sí, Señor” to El Puma’s “Pavo Real,” further enhances the immersive experience.
A cast that delivers
The series benefits from a stellar cast, with Raúl Arévalo once again delivering a captivating performance. Vito Sanz, Aixa Villagrán, and Nacho Guerreros shine in supporting roles, showcasing comedic range far beyond their previous, more typecast appearances. The absence of stereotypical “tough guys” and villains—the police are simply diligent officers seeking justice—adds to the series’ unique charm. This is a story about ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, not about larger-than-life heroes or ruthless criminals.
Clocking in at just three 50-minute episodes, 'One Hundred Million' is a concise and compelling miniseries that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a potent reminder of a turbulent era and a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience, even in the face of adversity. The series leaves you pondering not just the audacity of the crime, but the enduring human need for connection and the surprising ways people seek to escape poverty's grip.