"Colegas" is a candid study of contemporary teen friendships set in Spain, specifically the suburbs of Madrid. Antonio (Antonio Flores) and José (José Luis Manzano) have been best friends for most of their 18 years. They've drifted into a jobless lifestyle of the young, waiting for a future. Rosario (Rosario Flores) is Antonio's sister and José's girlfriend. The three are inseparable and all three face a tough job search. When Rosario discovers that she is pregnant by José, a chain of events is set in motion. While she's trying to decide her options of keeping the child, abortion, or adoption sale, the two best friends are forced into street hustling and an ever-expanding life of crime, drug running to raise money to pay for her decision. This is all balanced against their relationships with their respective families--mostly with José's brother's open sexuality and his parent's disapproval of his friends. As problems develop it seems that it will cost them much more than just money. José and Antonio decide to engage in prostitution in a gay bath house. The ending has a good and a tragic outcome for both friends.
This buddy film about lost teenagers in modern Madrid examines drug abuse, unplanned pregnacies, and awkward homosexual feelings in an unflinching and erotic style. Directed and co-authored by Spain's most outspoken filmmaker, the movie features fast pacing, sympathetic characters, harsh language, and abundant male nudity. Its believable, sympathetic, and draws parallels to American culture. Miguel Botafogo composed the music score. The screenplay was written by Gonzalo Goicoechea and Eloy de la Iglesia, who also directed. In Spanish with English subtitles. The English title is "Pals".
