Review: Volver

VOLVER

Directed by: Pedro Almodovar

*ing: Penelope Cruz
Carmen Maura
Lola Duenas

Rating: {9/10}

The Academy Award Winning veteran 'Pedro Almodovar' strikes again with yet another 'woman centric' film and it successfully hits the right intentions and emotions all the way as always.

Volver is "coming back" or "to return" in Spanish and the film stays true to its name.

It commences with the very Spanish Raimunda (Cruz) and her daughter, visiting her native village and her very old (both legs hanging in the grave) aunt, who claims that she is being taken care of by Raimunda's long dead mother, Irene (Carmen Maura).

Puzzled and slightly spooked, Raimunda returns to her city life, unemployed abusive husband and her petty job. After a couple of unwanted incidents and circumstances, Irene is suddenly found in the boot of Sole's (Lola, Raimunda's Sister). She starts staying with Sole and claims it as her "return". From here on the characters and the story itself builds up into a confusing whirlwind of emotions, secrets, revelations and shocking truths.

It takes another wild twist as Raimunda's dying village neighbour asks her for the last favour, which she finds very weird indeed.
Those who are familiar with Pedro's films will realize I have already given away too much.

Volver is an intelligent and very sensitive take on relationships, exploitation, patience and love in general. It also proves that "women" are best at all these emotions and more. It will keep you at the very extreme edge of your sofa (no seat coz it's not playing in the theaters anymore). It will also keep you irritatingly guessing about Irene's existence. Is she a ghost or is it all a hallucination or is every one simply insane?

All that you will need is a little more patience as the director pops open all the cards in a very sensitive and elegant chat-on-the-bench scene in the climax. It will leave you speechless, shocked and much more relaxed.

Penelope who was nominated for The Best Actor for this very role proves once again that she is one of the most talented and sensitive actors around. She is splendid as the no-nonsense, short tempered and clean-at-heart Raimunda. Her cleavage plays an equally important part as well, never being out of any possible shot.

Carmen excels as well as the spooky, mysterious Irene who haunts, helps and loves.

Volver is a movie that will stay with you long after you have switched off your DVD player. How do I say this?
It will keep "VOLVERING" back to you!

I recommend it and rent it. QUICK!

-Abbas Dalal.

[feedback will be genuinely appreciated. thanks.]