Review of Broken Embraces (2009) by Carlos R — 27 Aug 2010
Penelope Cruz is gorgeous in Broken Embraces. When she dons a platinum white wig, turns to look in the mirror, and sees herself in an Andy Warhol light, all I could think was "stunning." This sentiment carries over into Cruz's performance as well.
Not only does she expressively emote every feeling required by her character, she portrays Lena with a natural realism which allows us to connect with her in every respect. Sadly, though, the melodrama soap opera which is Pedro Almodóvar's Broken Embraces threatens to undermind the amazing acting and character of Lena.
It's almost like watching a Spanish Days of our Lives on the big screen. Plotted together with mostly absurdist narratives (the assistant turning out to be the writer's son; the faux mob boss quality of Ernesto; the filming of a "Threes Company"-like movie) there just isn't much weight or reverence to Broken Embraces aside from Penelope Cruz.
Visually - yes - it's shot gorgeously. But with a run time of over 2 hours, you definitely feel it; you definitely feel that they are trying to stretch something that doesn't truly have that much [to] "give.
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This review of Broken Embraces (2009) was written by Carlos R on 27 Aug 2010.
Broken Embraces has generally received positive reviews.
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