In Volver, director Pedro Almodóvar creates another wonderful (Cannes-winning) female ensemble and elicits Penélope Cruz’s best performance. Spanish from top to toes, the film moves between a La Mancha village and working-class Madrid where village daughter Raimunda (Penélope Cruz) struggles to support her family. Circumstances seem to conspire against her, but surrounded by three generations of women – hairdresser sister Sole (Lola Dueñas), teen daughter Paula (Yohana Cobo), former neighbour Agustina (Blanca Portillo) and haunted by her dead mother (Carmen Maura), Raimunda will do more than survive.
Reviews
“A richly evocative return to his childhood roots, Pedro Almodovar’s 16th feature Volver signals a new, low-frills departure for a helmer whose recent work has been as much about style as substance; the film is cinematographically and dramatically more contained and satisfyingly unflashy” Jonathan Holland, Variety
“Volver is Almodovar’s passionate tribute to the community of women – living and dead – who nurtured him. Through the transformative power of his art – carried on the wings of Alberto Iglesias’ exhilarating score – we feel their presence. You do not want to miss this one.” Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Awards
Cannes Film Festival ’06 – WINNER
– Best Actress (To the female ensemble cast)
Empire Awards ’07 – WINNER
– Best Actress (Penélope Cruz)
Oscar ’07 nomination
– Best Actress (Penélope Cruz)
BAFTA ’07 nomination
– Best Actress (Penélope Cruz)
– Best Film not in the English Language (Agustín Almodóvar, Pedro Almodóvar)