The film is a leftist commentary on bourgeois Spain under Franco, but its passion and sensitive observation transcend its political intent.

Death Of A Cyclist addresses all the grievances that Bardem mentioned at Salamanca, and it succeeds most at capturing the general climate of fear and oppression in Franco's Spain.

Explicitly designed as a shock to the system, Death of a Cyclist too often settles for academic subversion.

Although frustrating at times with a questionable ending, Death of a Cyclist also benefits from nuanced directing which brings out the best in this story about crime and attempts at redemption.