Pedro Almodovar is one of my very favorite filmmakers and every time I see one of his movies I’m reminded why. In fact, seeing his movies usually instills in me the desire to see nothing else but his movies. As a director, he has such a precise command of composition, color, pacing and performance; as a writer, he is romantic, funny and deep.
Broken Embraces isn’t the best film Almodovar has made in the past decade or so (I’d reserve that honor for Bad Education, with Talk to Her and Volver right behind) but it’s very much in the vein of his recent masterworks. I can’t think of another auteur on as much of a roll.
And I can’t think of an actress better paired with a director than Penelope Cruz is with Almodovar. Since her fabulous turn in Volver she has won an Oscar and been nominated for another but I doubt either of those roles showcases her flourishing talent as well as this one does.
Cruz plays the mistress of a corrupt mogul who falls into a love affair with a film director. Their story is recounted by the director, years later, who is now blind and living under a different name. I won’t elaborate more than that except to say that the film is filled with typical Almodovar touches — sex, betrayal, secrets, redemption, films within the film, funny women, corrupt men, tragic heroes.
If you’ve enjoyed Almodovar’s other films, definitely see this one. If you haven’t… what the hell is wrong with you?!
Meet Me In Montauk 
I have been waiting to get this on Netflix. Now I’m going to move it up the queue. I’m with you about Almodovar and I haven’t ever been disappointed with any of his films (going way back to his earlier work). Thanks for the good review to encourage me not to wait any longer to see it. 🙂
ditto Kerrie!
Finally watched this yesterday while I was at home sick. What can I say? I loved it! There is something about Almodovar’s movies that so captivates me that I literally cannot look away (and it’s not to do with the subtitles – which I occasionally attempt to ignore). This was another one of his movies that made it hard for me to look away.
I agree that it isn’t his very best but it is certainly up there. I have not seen Bad Education (I know, I know), but All About My Mother, Talk to Her and Volver are among my favorite movies in general, so it would take a lot to pull out in front of them.
Thanks for the good review that had me push this one up my queue. I was not disappointed (except that he didn’t get an Oscar nod this year…).
I watched it this week too Kerrie, and loved it. I always feel like I’ve experienced something great in film when I watch Almodovar’s work.