Genre: Drama

Director: Pedro Almodóvar

Certificate: Volver was rated 15A by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of 15 years of age or upwards.  Persons under 15 must be accompanied by an adult

Violence = moderate. Drugs = mild. Sex/Nudity = strong. Language = strong.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: Volver

Over the last few years I’ve become a major fan of Perdo Almodovar - in an age of formulaic movies and endless re-makes and sequels his films are always a breath of fresh air.  Normally his movies are full of hookers, transvestites, transsexuals, drug addicts and sundry lost souls - but so well written and played that they transcend all generalities.  Volver, however, is a total change of style and pace and is probably his most sombre piece yet.

Centering on the lives of two sisters Raimunda (Penolope Cruz) and Sole (Lona Duenas) who's parents both died in a house fire several years before and how they both come to terms with this and each other.  Sole is divorced and Raimunda has just been relieved of her tiresome husband (I wont say how but it provides a very funny Hitchcock gag throughout) leaving her and her daughter to carry on.  To complicate matters it appears that the ghost of their Mother may be hovering in the background - in rural Spain this sort of superstition is accepted but Raimunda wants nothing to do with it…  or so she thinks…

As mentioned, although it has its wry moments, it is a very subdued sad film dealing with loss, redemption and coming to terms with the past - fantastic performances throughout - Cruz is just wonderful in a role that is far from sympathetic and it’s a joy to see Almodovar’s precious leading lady Carmen Maura making a welcome return as the ghostly Mother.  It’s a very moving film (none more so that in the flamenco sequence in the restaurant) and when the truth behind all their stories is revealed…  I suggest a box of hankies…

Perhaps with hindsight not quite as wonderful as some of his previous films but still a very worthwhile experience.

Reviewed by George Kaplan, Premier Movie Reviews 2007.

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