Pop Culture Buzz

*** STARS

I am a big fan Pedro Almadovar’s films. “About My Mother”, “Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down” and now his latest masterpiece “Volver”, are my favorite films of his so far. In classic Almodovar style, “Volver” is a deeply moving and in depth look at the bonds between woman and family. We see three generations of woman evolve into a functioning and healthy, if not oddball, family unit through crisis after bizarre crisis.

This movie starts as a light hearted comedy with great, crackling dialog that is classic Almodovar. But soon the film turns into a gut wrenching thriller and drama. The many interactions between the woman in the village and the family are directed perfectly. The funeral scene with Sole is hilarious and darkly intense at the same time. When Cruz’s character Raimunda walks into her daughters grizzly crime it shows proof of how Cruz earned her Oscar nomination this year.

Penelope Cruz is a wonder as Raimunda a mother who struggles with her boring life as well as the mysterious death of her mother. Her daughter is her best friend and is always at her side as is her sister Sole. Their lives take a bizarre turn when Sole and Raimunda’s dead mother appears to Sole, but decides to hide from the rest of the village including her sister and granddaughter.

I love Almodovar’s treatment of women’s bonds and how he concentrates on their sensitive way of expressing emotions and family bonds. Almodovar’s stories are usually uplifting and touching and this movie is no exception. I liked this film a lot and am always glad to see women depicted in such a brave and strong manner. Almodovar is a true cinematic genius, and Cruz has become one of the best rising actresses in Hollywood. Now if only she can excite us with her English speaking roles like she does here that would be a “best actress” role if ever there was one.