The Dawn Rapists (original title: Los violadores del amanecer) is a 1978 Spanish exploitation film that blends crime, drama, and horror elements into a deeply unsettling narrative. Directed by Ignacio F. Iquino, the film follows a gang of four adolescent delinquents who escalate from petty crime to horrific acts of violence. As they egg each other on, they take hostages, torture, and brutally assault several girls while desperately trying to evade the law. The film's raw, unflinching portrayal of senseless violence places it firmly within the controversial Spanish cinema of the late Franco and early transition period.

While the film's low IMDb rating of 4.4 reflects its challenging content and exploitation roots, it remains a stark time capsule of a specific filmmaking era. The performances aim for a grim realism, depicting the characters' descent into monstrous behavior without glamorization. The direction maintains a gritty, relentless pace that mirrors the protagonists' chaotic flight from justice.

Viewers interested in extreme European genre cinema from the 1970s may find The Dawn Rapists worth watching as a historical artifact. It serves as a brutal examination of group psychology, peer pressure, and societal decay. The film's unrelenting tension and bleak atmosphere create a disturbing experience that, while not for all audiences, offers insight into Spain's cinematic exploration of taboo subjects during a period of cultural transition. Approach with caution due to its graphic and distressing content.