Volver

Volver (121 min)

Seen on the 20th March 2008.

Volver is a film directed by Almodar, so you probably know what to expect. I liked the film in as much as it is an exaggerated description of the life of women in rural and urban Spain. It deals with issues such as the loss of the mother (by two of the characters) and the return of one of them who, as it turns out, was still living with her mother all this time. There are a few male characters in this film in striking opposition to other Almodovar film: talk to her.

I find the depiction of Spanish character by a Spanish director very illustrating, particularly as Pedro Almodovar is gay and he tries to show how difficult it must have been for him growing in rural Spain under Franco's regime. Volver is a film that feels boring in places and leaves issues unresolved such as the murder of one of the characters. It also deals with strong topics such as child abuse and death. A film not for everyone.