During a time of war in Spain, an orphaned infant is left at the door of a monastery. The monks are charged with finding a permanent home for him, but because they want to keep him, they don't try very hard. Finally they reject the mayor's demand that he be given the boy—even when the mayor threatens to evict the monks—and so they wind up raising him, calling him Marcelino. He grows into a rambunctious but likable lad who wonders why he doesn't have a mother like his village buddy Manuel. Though he's been forbidden from wandering up to the monastery attic, one day he does; there he finds a life-sized damaged wooden crucifix. At first, Marcelino is scared of it, but soon he begins talking to Jesus, going so far as to being bread and wine to the figure on the cross because he looks hungry. Suddenly, we see (from a vantage point behind the crucifix) the wooden arm of Jesus become human, taking the food and drink from the boy. The two share meals and chat, and when Marcelino tells Jesus that his fondest wish is to be reunited with his mother, Jesus makes it happen.

SPOILER: Most reviewers of this film, especially ones of the Catholic persuasion, like it and find it heartwarming. As a former Catholic, I do have a soft spot for mystical religious fantasies (like THE BISHOP'S WIFE) and even the occasional non-mystical non-fantasies (GOING MY WAY). But this one, though well-made, comes off like a creepy Twilight Zone episode: Marcelino gets his wish because he dies. Off the top of my head (and aside from versions of LITTLE WOMEN in which the doomed child is more a supporting than starring role) I can only think of one other classic-era movie in which a central child character dies, the 1939 fantasy ON BORROWED TIME. I have to say that killing off a child whom you assume will live is an effective way to stun a viewer, and it works well in ON BORROWED TIME, but here, it just seems unsavory. The boy in BORROWED seems unhappy with his life on earth, but Marcelino does not—Jesus couldn't think of a better way to handle this kid's wish? I didn't dislike this movie—indeed, I would commend it for being different—but I think the people on IMDb who call it tender-hearted or inspiring or sensible either saw a different movie or need a dictionary.

An user pointed out that some imdb reviews (particularly the early one) were very negative ;but in spite of a huge success,many leftish (Marxist ?) comments were scathing too when the movie was released :remember that Spain was a dictatorship and a French critic went as far as to write that 'if Christ allows the mother-and -child reunion ,it's in a better world ,and thus it solves the problem of the orphanages maintenance".

Today ,when compared to the Joselito Jimenez weepies,which have sunk into oblivion, "Marcelino pan y vino " holds up quite well .That a great director such Luigi COMENCINI made a remake is proof positive that the movie has worn well ,even though today's children may not get something out of it.

Everyone will agree that Pablito Calvo gives one of the best child actor performances of all time ;one can,however ,prefer to the scenes in the attic :

-the bread which diminishes ,much to the monk /cook's surprise .

-the fair ,where the stolen apple creates a "butterfly effect" in miniature .

-the boy learning his alphabet,under a monk's watchful eye.

-the meeting with the woman with a madonna face(wish she could be my mama).

-the hidden treasures in the wall.

My Dad loved this film My Dad lost his parents and sister in the same month when he was just 5 years old

I don't know if that is why he has almost a reverence for this movie, but he always would look through the channels and the tv guide to find out if it would be airing during the Christmas season. Dad passed away just about a week before Christmas in 2002. He was 81 Each year as Christmas approaches, I find myself looking through the channels and the tv listings to find out if it will be airing during the Christmas season. The actor playing Marcelino did an amazing job expressing innocence, wonder, and an inner sadness when remembering his Mom who he never really got a chance to know. The cinematography...angles, vistas etc. are top notch. The short scenes make the film seem almost dreamlike, jumping from one short poignant topic to the other. The simple, peaceful presentation contrasts to a lot of other films which scream at you to keep you paying attention. This film does not need to do that. Next December, I will find myself scanning the channels and looking through the tv listings.....