Review of Volver (2009) by Katie T — 30 Jul 2009

Almodovar understands the power of a women. Unlike film noir, which often punishes women who posses such power outside of social norms, Amodovar redefines strength by putting these characters through very tough obstacles. This movie can be twisted, alien, and unfamiliar "mumbo jumbo" to some if you dont understand Latin/Spanish culture. The story is like a someone telling you a secret about a teacher/student relationship..what do you say? What do you do?

In that case, Alvodovar invites you into his world..his vision and criticism of the spanish culture and of course, women. This story is intimate , highly emotional, traditional, rustic, maybe uncomfortable to some. Lies, murder, everything forbidden, sex, religion, passion, the unexplainable & superstitions,ghosts, gossip, and family feud is the formula for the conflict in this drama. He forces you to see beyond the social norms and a little flexible taste for taboos. Either that or im just in love with Penelope Cruz.