The Hold-Up

The Hold-Up (El palo) is a 2001 Spanish heist comedy film directed by Eva Lesmes from a screenplay by Luis Marías which stars Adriana Ozores, Malena Alterio, Maribel Verdú, and Carmen Maura.

Plot
The plot follows an attempt of bank heist pulled by four women (including a cleaner working in the target bank, a pregnant hairdresser, and a street urchin).

Production
The screenplay was written by Luis Marías. 1962 comedy Atraco a las tres was an inspiration for The Hold-Up. The film, Eva Lesmes' sophomore feature, was produced by Bocaboca in association with Telecinco.

Release
Distributed by Columbia TriStar, the film was theatrically released in Spain on 4 May 2001.

Reception
Jonathan Holland of Variety deemed the film to be an "engaging femme comedy built around an unlikely bank heist" confirming helmer's talent for comedy.

Accolades

 * align = "center" | 2002 || 16th Goya Awards || Best New Actress || Malena Alterio || Nominated ||
 * }
 * }