Review of Broken Embraces (2009) by Dickie L — 18 Dec 2009

All the trademark Pedro touches are there to embrace in his latest pic: intricate stories within stories, fully realized female characters, melodrama, a lush orchestral score, colourful decors, and even a scene from one of his earlier films gets a clever reworking in the climax.

For me, Almodovar rarely hits a home run, but there is always much to savour in his work. As is often the case, here Pedro relies too often on using dialogue as exposition for action, and the film dips into a lull when the glorious Penelope Cruz isnâ??t on screen.

At times though, this soars, and like all his films, Iâ??m sure Broken Embraces will be a greater pleasure to behold on repeated viewings.