Cast
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Penélope Cruz
as Raimunda
Carmen Maura
as Irene
Lola Dueñas
as Sole
Blanca Portillo
as Agustina
Yohana Cobo
as Paula
Chus Lampreave
as Tía Paula
Antonio de la Torre
as Paco
Carlos Blanco
as Emilio
María Isabel Díaz Lago
as Regina
Neus Sanz
as Inés
Leandro Rivera
as Production Assistant
Pepa Aniorte
as Neighbor
Yolanda Ramos
as TV Presenter
Elvira Cuadrupani
as Neighbor
María Alfonsa Rosso
as Neighbor
Crew
Director
- Pedro Almodóvar
Producer
- Esther García
Reviews
r96sk
Great film!
First of all, the acting is terrific. Penélope Cruz is obviously the pick of the bunch, she shows her quality and then some in the role; especially for the more emotive scenes. Lola Dueñas, Yohana Cobo and Carmen Maura also give noteworthy performances. Blanca Portillo makes her presence felt, too.
The story is paced expertly, with the two hour run time flying by. It is quite the plot, with things of substance happening from practically the first first minutes. I really enjoyed seeing it all unfold. Everything also feels tangible, which is something I always appreciate.
Cruz's dodgy moment of lip-syncing aside, <em>'Volver'</em> is excellent!
Mar 3, 2022
CinemaSerf
This is a cracking film that follows "Raimunda" (Penelope Cruz) as she returns to her hometown to visit the grave of her mother. It turns out that she left many years ago amidst an environment of turbulence and tragedy. Together with her daughter "Paula" (Yohana Como) and "Sole" (Lola Dueñas) they visit the aunt who raised her - and who is now living in a world of her own, before returning to Madrid and facing an whole new slew of mishaps involving "Paula" and her drunken brute of a father "Paco"! Without their problems to seek, events pile up back at home again too - and 'Raimunda" has some ghastly home truths to face! This is darkly funny, and Cruz is on great form bouncing from one calamity to another struggling desperately to keep things from imploding. The supporting characters are rich and lively, too - especially as the semi-slapstick elements are introduced in to the plot. One of my favourite Almodóvar stories that is well worth two hours for some laughter and some poignancy.
May 30, 2024
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Volver examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Pedro Almodóvar brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Volver took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $12.9 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 169 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Volver shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Talk to Her, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Volver offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Absolute Power and Billy Elliot explore similar territory, Volver stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 17, 2006
- Runtime: 2h 1m
- Budget: $12,899,867
- Revenue: $85,582,407
Where to Watch
