Revolver Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)January 19th, 2007
Tender "Volver"
by Homer Yen
(c) 2006
Trying times require tremendous inner strength.
And, as we see in this warm film about women and
the bonds that they share, their strength is
derived from the pains that they have endured.
"Volver" weaves together a tender storyline of
female friends, mothers, and daughters who cope
with bizarre emotional circumstances. Through
their relationships, they create a web of courage
and fortitude.
After a string of mediocre roles, Penelope Cruz
reaches into her heart and puts together a
full-bodied performance as a quietly heroic,
beleaguered housewife. She plays Raimunda who is
an unassuming airport janitorial worker. Her
husband is nothing more than a slouch. Her
daughter is starting to enter that period in her
life when men will take increasing interest in
her body.
Raimunda's life is virtually turned upside down
when her husband is killed by someone whom she
never would ever think would commit such an act.
Meanwhile, she seems to be growing suddenly
distant to her sister, Sole (Lola Duanes), who
seems to be hiding a secret. Moreover, her
life's purpose begins to wane.
The story has a twisted and dark feel to it. The
subject material integrates superstition and
death and revenge. The principal players give
performances that are subtle but full of emotion
as relationships are redefined. One unique
character is neighborhood friend Agustina (Blanca
Portillo). She suffers from a grave illness, but
you couldn't tell based on how she embraces her
friends the same way that she embraces life -
with enormous love. Another character is
Raimunda's mom, who so desperately wants to
rectify some of the mistakes that she has made
during her life. With so much warmth,
forgiveness, and kindness, it's no wonder that
Penelope Cruz's eyes continually well up with
tears as she makes one new discovery after
another.
But, Director Pedro Almodovar has an eye for
details and for aesthetics that enhances what
might be an ordinary offering. For example,
there are several scenes that take place in a
local restaurant that Raimunda runs. Her friends
offer to help, the customers are happy, the music
is lively, and there's nothing like a good
kitchen and good food to bring best friends even
closer together. The film pays much respect to
sisterly love as well as a woman's inner
strength. And Penelope Cruz gives a nuanced
performance that spans the spectrum of daily
pleasures and pains. "Volver" may not
emotionally charge you like a strong Mojito. But
it's feels about as good as sipping hot chocolate
by a fireplace.
Grade: B-
S: 1 out of 3
L: 0 out of 3
V: 2 out of 3
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Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
