Spanish pictures have a certain panache about them. Some might consider them exotic. Others might label them horny. But you have to take a look at Spanish actors who have come over to Hollywood to see what I’m saying. Think about Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz. That said , Spanish directors have also made a name for themselves in the global movie scene. Within them are Pedro Almodvar and Alexandro Gonzalez Inarritu.
But good looks and melodic sounding language aside, Spanish films with English subtitles have a top notch about them which I find tough to explain. But thanks to the DVD format, we can now enjoy movies in Spanish with English subtitles, among other languages available.
Volver
Volver is a critically acclaimed Spanish film starring Penelope Cruz. It becomes clear early in the movie this part is perfect for Ms Cruz. The Oscar designation she received for her role cements that concept.
Volver’s director, Pedro Almodvar, does a fantastic job as he tackles the subject matter – death – and how different generations of a little city respond to it. He artfully unfolds the interesting story line which slowly exposes the complicated relationships which bind the characters.
Volver isn’t a story about the dread of death. Rather, it is the story of how life goes on after death. It looks at the load of unforgiveness the living have to carry once death has closed the door to reconciliation. It also investigates sins and methods which linger long after the sinner has departed.
The demonstrations by Cruz, the film’s cinematography and art direction and careful direction of Almodvar all make for one of the most entertaining movies in Spanish with English subtitles of 2006. I might personally give it five stars.
Amores Perros
What a fantastic debut for director Alexandro Gonzalez Inarritu. His first attempt at direction led to Amores Perros becoming an award winning film and also an Academy award and Golden Globe nominee for best foreign film.
Set in Mexico Town, Amores Perros tells three stories of love and difficult relationships in a violent city. In the guts of these stories, the fate of two dogs hang in the balance as the characters are brought quickly together by an auto accident.
Unlike Pulp Fiction, Ameros Perros need not have the individual stories linked by a common event. I gather Inarritu chose this style to link the theme of the movie. Each story could have stood alone as each explores the very definition of love from different perspectives. I might also rate this as one of the finest Spanish films with English subtitles around. Five stars, no less.
In summary :
- Penelope Cruz is a fantastic actress
- Pedro Almodóvar and Alexandro Gonzalez Inarritu really know how to tell a story
- Spanish movies are entertaining and thought provoking
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