Seen: April 11th, 2007
Format: Blu-Ray
Rating: 8
Perhaps you know someone who tells jokes well. If so, you may have recognized that in most cases the joke itself is not nearly as important as the way it's told. The is sometimes generalized as "timing". Regardless, to do it well is artful.
Almodovar's art is telling a story.
This story is not complicated. It's not exceptionally unique or particularly clever. It has its quirks, it has its own charm, but it's not slickest one in the pile. But it is deep and subtle, and in Almodovar's hands it comes alive.
This is a simple tale of family, of love in general, of standing together, of remembering, of forgiving and ultimately returning, always returning. There are cycles aplenty here. Cycles of hurt, cycles of care, cycles of birth and death, all spun together. The story is linear. It's fairly obvious and when all is revealed near the end, there's little we haven't figured out for ourselves. But its revealed in a kind way, like a good joke teller, who wants us to get the joke, to appreciate it, not with disdain, challenging our intellect.
This is a film is an ensemble piece for women. Almodovar favors strong female characters, and these are some of his best. The strength of these women, their character, their flaws, they're all on display here. But unlike some other films, there's subtle beauty, humor and light to go along with the drama. There's hope as well as despair, and they're ultimately not so far apart. Watch Volver and then see Sayles's Casa de los babys, the difference should be striking.
In all, Volver is a simple, powerful film, for and dedicated to simple, yet powerful women.
The Good: Looking out for your neighbor
The Bad: Sleeping with your neighbor
The Ugly: Sleeping with the pork chops
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