Review of A Matador's Mistress (2008) by Ricardo R — 25 May 2011

A well-put movie about the story of "torero" Manolo (Adrien Brody) and his relationship with Lupe (Penà (C)lope Cruz).

The opening credits are interesting because they include actual footage that was taken. (Not only is this footage shown in the credits, but also throughout the whole movie). Art direction is really good; from the sets to the costumes, one does feel like it is the 40s. There are a lot of beautiful overhead shots and the last scenes when Manolo is being carried in a coffin, are very nice; the petals flying all over the place look very appealing.

I would have liked for the movie to be in Spanish to make it a little more believable, but even though it wasn't, as a viewer, you do get lost in the screen because it is very well acted. There are a couple of extremely overblown shots when they're in the sun, I feel like that could have been worked out a little better.

Overall, this is an interesting movie to watch about a man who was told not to fear death and not to fall for a woman.