While the locale is Spain, the problems that we see unfold could be in many countries around the world, including in the United States. The filmmaker has written a story that goes to the heart of the casting aside of working people wherever they may be and many in the world know the pain and frustration of being in such a position.

Bardem as Santa, one of those dismissed from the local shipyard, is the central character among a group of men who bond in friendship and defeat. But there is also a rebelliousness that lets itself out in humorous ways as Santa struggles to cope with life, keep his dignity and deal with the absurdities that he sees around him.

The film looks into the personal lives of the men, including an examination of the strains of marriage under pressure. Merely going for a job interview is traumatic for someone older, who sees young applicants who have all the edge. There is pathos, but there is also the humor that comes from finding ways to hold one's head high.

"Mondays in the Sun" is rich in characterization, with the cast including Luis Tosar, José Ángel Egido, Nieve de Medina, Celso Bugallo, Serge Riaboukine, Enrique Villén, Joaquín Climent and Aida Folch. The director captures the local atmosphere effectively. When tragedy occurs, the way in which the men deal with the situation provides a humorous finish that, whatever happens, leaves the pals, momentarily at least, with the upper hand of personal satisfaction. This is a very special film that is among the year's most impressive.