Review of Broken Embraces (2009) by Robert S — 13 Dec 2009

Pedro Almodovar is always impressive. I think of him as a Spanish Woody Allen sometimes, because I always feel like I am warmly visiting family when I watch their films.

The story is a whydunit, nonchalantly told yet with a very complex plot, that has you simultaneously comfortable yet anxious. I feel the story is ultimately about closure, which ironically, it doesn't entirely give you regarding all the characters.

The film's effortless manner might let the viewer leave the theater without meditating on what I suspect Almodovar was saying about the importance of closure, which is actually quite meaningful.

Spoiler alert:

In regards to loose ends: I am still mulling over why Ray X was so bent on making a film about his life with his father with Harry. The film doesn't seem to explain his motivations much, even though they are obviously quite bizarre and impacting to the plot. Perhaps it would be his way of gaining closure with his father? But then, it seems quite clear that he also had an axe to grind with Harry (because Harry was dismissive of him all those years ago??). Also, the fact that the film never showed a SINGLE scene showing the dynamic between his father and him leaves my imagination to go crazy...