Volver
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Movie Reviews of Volver
Movie Review: The Return of Almodovar!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've never been a big fan of Penlope Cruz but this film, I think, has changed that! I have been, however, a fan of Pedro Almodovar for 20 years and he gives us another strong tale centered around a group of women that involves murder, incest, ghosts and much more!
Thankfully, we see the wonderful Carmen Maura reunited with her director of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown". She really shows her talent as an actress as the mother of Raimunda (Cruz) and Sole (Lola Duenas).
The story is set around to Raimunda and Sole, two sisters who lost their parents in a fire about four years earlier. Raimunda is married to a crude drunk and Sole is a lonely young woman separated from her husband. After a tragic event occurs for Raimunda and her daughter, Paula (Yohana Cobo), Raimunda is forced to keep a secret to protect her daughter and herself. The one thing that bonds all the women is the secrets they keep. Irene (Maura), their mother, has a secret that could give the terminally ill Agustina (Blanca Portillo), who is a childhood friend of the sisters, an answer to the whereabouts of her absent mother.
The actresses in this film do AMAZING work. The story centers around Penelope Cruz who deserves the Oscar nomination she received. Carmen Maura, as usual, does a great job and another stand out is Blanca Portillo as the long suffering and loyal friend to the sisters.
If I have one criticism about the film, it just seem to end so abruptly. Other than that, Almodovar gives us another film about women that is well worth the price of your ticket as well as an addition to your dvd library. Highly recommended.
Movie Review: Almodóvar has been on a colossal roll since "All About My Mother,"
Summary: 5 Stars
It's tough to rate Almodóvar's "Volver" as anything less than five stars, because it's so well done. Why isn't anyone in the US making movies like Almodóvar? He's been on a colossal roll since "All About My Mother," which I think is his masterpiece. Put that work end-on-end with the three films that have followed - "Talk to Her," "Bad Education," and now "Volver" - wow, does it get any better that? The guy's maturation as as a filmmaker as a filmmaker is simply incredible. Even though there were some early triumphs such as the classic "Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," there were some stinkeroos in the early days, too. The dreadfully bad "Kika" comes to mind. Now, it's nothing but top-quality stuff, time in and time out. The intricate scripts and classic Almodóvar signature stagings are a treat every time.
From an acting perspective, though the cast won an ensemble award at Cannes, the story and revelation here is Penelope Cruz. Maybe it's a language barrier, but despite Hollywood's best efforts to cram her down the throat of the collective American public, not a single role she's ever done in Hollywood has resonated. And that's despite repeated attempts. But, here, wow - what a revelation. She's incredible on every level. And, here's a vote for Lola Dueñas as Cruz's on-screen sister. Her unique and expressive face is called on for some moments of comedy. She's a gifted physical comedienne.
It's also great to see a gracefully aging Carmen Maura back in Almodóvar's world. Basically, Maura in Spanish royalty when it comes to acting. She's 61 now and not afraid to show it.
Movie Review: Twenty years are nothing!
Summary: 5 Stars
Almodovar has established a particular liaison with the feminine world as any other filmmaker since Fassbinder. His narrative pulse is like a canvas that slowly reveals before us; the slow introduction filled of discrete poetry and warm hues will arouse a sudden murder that will lead us into a profound story of weird fascination, mystery, incest, betrayal and death.
Carmen Maura as the missing mother and Penelope Cruz (in the role of her lifetime, fresh, radiant and spontaneous) will be the big frame to expose with impeccable pulse, this crude and awful story where the leader role is assumed entirely for the women.
If previously Federico Fellini had focused around the ominous presence of the women in 8 1/2 and The city of women with slender pertness and Fassbinder saw the women as the true leader of the social nerve, Almodovar bets for a straightforward gaze and explores with delicate fluidness and absolute domain of the feminine universe around her fears, ambitions and wishes to live above any adverse circumstance with engaging humor but with visceral humanism.
Additionally we may find a heartfelt homage to the famous Tango Volver in Carlos Gardel' s memory in magnificent arrangement; a deserved tribute to Chinatown and finally a nostalgic gaze to three other emblematic films of the past Bellisima (watch to Magnani in the brief TV Film), Mildred pierce and Douglas Sirk' s Imitation of life.
This movie must be included among the top ten films I have seen throughout this year. Another masterpiece of this hyper talented Spanish filmmaker.
Movie Review: Undoubtedly the best movie I've ever seen.
Summary: 5 Stars
The beauty of life is magnificently captured in legendary director Pedro Almodóvar's latest international sensation, "Volver." Almodóvar is known for his quirky, fascinating and extremely moving films that appeal to all people of all cultures. "Volver" is his best film to date, and it is, without a doubt, the best movie I have ever seen in my life.
I was truly touched by "Volver." The cast is absolutely amazing; for those of you who are not of Hispanic or Spanish origin, it's important for me to stress how much of an icon both Almodóvar, Carmen Maura (Irene), Penélope Cruz (Raimunda) and Blanca Portillo (Augustina) are. This cast, and the director, are the best that Spain, and the international film scene, can offer.
The story is so moving, so adventurous, so captivating that, if I were to disclose even one small tid-bit of information about how the movie begins or how the plot develops, I would be revealing too much. You will have to trust me when I say that this is a powerful movie about the bonds that form between generations of women, women struggling with life's many trials and tribulations.
Seeing this movie released internationally has truly been an amazing experience for all people of Latin heritage, as the prowess of the Spanish film scene is finally being revealed.
If you ever had a doubt about watching "Volver," remove it from your mind, and watch "Volver" now!
Movie Review: Subplots weave together to make a masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
Anyone who loves Spanish movies needs to see this one. Even if you don't know Spanish, the subtitles are sufficient in understanding and enjoying the story. The cast is almost entirely female, as it focuses on women's problems in family situations. Penelope Cruz is the main actress, and she carries a lot of responsibility in the film, both as an actress and the character Raimunda.
Various situations develop in the movie simultaneously, and they interlock with one another at different parts. One story is that of Raimunda's mother, who supposedly died a few years ago, but was rumored to be appearing as a ghost. Another issue is what to do with Raimunda's husband, whose sexual perversions literally cost him his life. Then there's a dying friend who keeps asking Raimunda to find out what happened to her mother, and a neighbor who wants Raimunda to look after his business while he is away. You learn important information about these subplots gradually, and the surprises make the entire film excellent.
The bonus features were a little disappointing. There was some material about the famous director, Pedro Almodovar, and his work involving Penelope Cruz, but it wasn't all that interesting. It would have been nice to see some commentary from the cast members or the writers. But all in all, the movie is worth watching!