My first experience with Penelope Cruz was in 1992 while watching the film from Spain, Jamon Jamon. At the time Cruz was only 18, but she looked much younger, she appeared to be 'used' (by U.S. standards) by the filmmaker in this sexy Spanish comedy.
A few years later I saw the 1988 film by director Pedro Almodovar, 'Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown'. There was an immediate impression left on me because of the film's style, direction and careful presentation of women's situations. Since then Almodovar has made many great films and he has become a director known around the world. So much so, that recently, in my small town, a 'Pedro Almodovar Film Festival' was held featuring such works as 'All About My Mother', 'Bad Education' and my favorite, 'Talk To Her'.
Pedro Almodovar's latest venture, 'Volver' is a reunion with Penelope Cruz, who through the years has become, Spain's screen goddess. Together they put out some of their best work. Volver (meaning to return, or come back) is a story about Raimunda (Cruz) whose estranged mother cautiously returns to settle some long-standing painful issues. Raimunda wants little to do with her as she is facing difficult issues of her own. The plot is much more than a mother/daughter relationship; it involves the family, community and years of deceit.
Almodovar wrote and directs this film with such precision you instantly relate to each character; Raimunda's teen daughter Paula, who carries a terrible secret, her timid sister, Sole and others. The film is beautifully shot, has a steady pace, great moments of humor and several surprises you never see coming.
Volver is a film every female should see. Almodovar loves women and is masterful in putting on screen the very best in womanly situations. We guys could learn a trick or two from him.
And if you hesitate to see great cinema because English is not the spoken language, you'll be missing one of the best films of the year.
A few years later I saw the 1988 film by director Pedro Almodovar, 'Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown'. There was an immediate impression left on me because of the film's style, direction and careful presentation of women's situations. Since then Almodovar has made many great films and he has become a director known around the world. So much so, that recently, in my small town, a 'Pedro Almodovar Film Festival' was held featuring such works as 'All About My Mother', 'Bad Education' and my favorite, 'Talk To Her'.
Pedro Almodovar's latest venture, 'Volver' is a reunion with Penelope Cruz, who through the years has become, Spain's screen goddess. Together they put out some of their best work. Volver (meaning to return, or come back) is a story about Raimunda (Cruz) whose estranged mother cautiously returns to settle some long-standing painful issues. Raimunda wants little to do with her as she is facing difficult issues of her own. The plot is much more than a mother/daughter relationship; it involves the family, community and years of deceit.
Almodovar wrote and directs this film with such precision you instantly relate to each character; Raimunda's teen daughter Paula, who carries a terrible secret, her timid sister, Sole and others. The film is beautifully shot, has a steady pace, great moments of humor and several surprises you never see coming.
Volver is a film every female should see. Almodovar loves women and is masterful in putting on screen the very best in womanly situations. We guys could learn a trick or two from him.
And if you hesitate to see great cinema because English is not the spoken language, you'll be missing one of the best films of the year.