Review of Broken Embraces (2009) by A.j. S — 23 Aug 2010
A wholly uninspired tale from Pedro Almodóvar that borrows from Hollywood noire films of the 40â??s while trying to stay true to the Spanish filmmakerâ??s usual tone. Starting off on the wrong foot in the prologue, the film never seems to fully recover as subplots are introduced half-heartedly or too late to make any impact.
Even, typically mesmerizing, muse Penelope Cruz is underutilized as a mistress who finds her calling as an actress through the director she eventually falls in love with. None of the other players carry much staying power, so when Cruz is found to be ill-equipped, the heart that tries quite hard to influence the audience falls with her.
Generally the breaking point for most films, Almodóvarâ??s third act is the most entertaining and engaging part of the film. After reaching this conclusion and looking back, though, the film still feels imprudent and superfluous.
This review of Broken Embraces (2009) was written by A.j. S on 23 Aug 2010.
Broken Embraces has generally received positive reviews.
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