Represent Recommends: Volver
“I wonder what Pedro Almodovar’s story is” my gorgeous companion said to me “He catches women’s beauty so accurately”. The acclaimed film director’s latest offering – Vovler – had us feeling full, satisfied and upbeat on what would otherwise have been a blue Sunday night. And that’s just it, Almodovar captures nearly everything with accuracy – there’s no smoke nor mirrors but instead a delicious, colourful offering brimming with simplicity but running deep with authenticity.
“Male figures are like ‘painful necessities’ for the women in his stories, for Almodovar’s women are essentially the core of life” my friend continued. (… and around whom all revolves and without whom not much would happen, I thought). Pedro Almodóvar Caballero, according to Wikipedia, is “the most successful and internationally known Spanish filmmaker of his generation”. Almodovar was “born [on] September 24, 1951, in Calzada de Calatrava, Spain” and “His films, marked by complex narratives, employ the codes of melodrama and use elements of pop culture, popular songs, irreverent humor, strong colors and glossy décor. Almodóvar never judges his characters actions, whatever they do, but he presents them as they are in all their complexity.” Wikipedia.
I loved Volver, it’s one of those films that draws you in, coaxing a smile onto your lips at it’s comedic undertones that weave through a captivating human drama set both in a windy Spanish village and working class Madrid. Suprisingly the cinema was nearly empty which is discouraging for a film of such calibre but maybe we’re catching the end of the run.
A curvacious Penelope Cruz plays out the life of a young mother Raimundo whose life is fraught with tragedy, suprises and tears – working the role with ease and grace. Despite the adversities that stifle the lives of all the women in the film, Almodovar potrays them as strong, unflinching yet emotive and fallible women who are determined to keep going. It’s a stellar female-strong cast – with loads of favourites to choose from – craftily bringing to life a storyline that winds and bends, delighting you as it gently unfolds.
But you know we don’t like to give it away. Go on and brighten up any day – catch it on the big screen if you haven’t and as always, let us know your thoughts.
Read all about Volver on IMDB. Go Go Go.
