Belle poque is a historical romance directed by Fernando Trueba that takes place in 1931 as Spain becomes a political split between Republicans and Nationalists and Fernando (Jorge Sanz), a young handsome soldier deserts his duty in fear of the potential Spanish Civil War. In his travels to the countryside, he befriends Manolo (Fernando Fernan Gomez), an old widower in a large house in the country, and becomes enamored by his four distinctly different daughters. Clara (Miriam Diaz Aroca) is a recently made widow, seeking solace in Fernandos very willing arms. Violeta (Ariadna Gil) is a lesbian attracted only to Fernando when he is cross-dressing. Rocio (Maribel Verdu) is a social climber, engaged to a secure royalist family. Then there is Luz (Penelope Cruz), the youngest whose nave but jealous role as a spectator disheartens her to any of Fernandos charms. This unique romantic film offers the comical heartbreaks of a young man seducing his way to the right woman to romance.moreless