Broken Embraces is the story of guilt, jealousy and passion. Penelope Cruz does a stunning performance as Magdalena "Lena" Rivero, a secretary for a wealthy businessman, Ernesto Martel, who has always dreamt of being an actress but has ended up in shady places because of her dream. Ernesto is obsessed with her, and when her father is dying of stomach cancer, she is forced to depend on him so the family can afford to pay their medical bills. After 2 years, she becomes his live-in mistress, who after landing a role in Mateo Blanco's new movie, embarks on a secret and dangerous love affair.
Like Pedro Almodovar's other films, the plot is extremely creative and complex, but not at all hard to follow. I think the best part of the film is Lena's character. She is complex, sexual, and yet extremely vulnerable at the same time.
I would give this movie a higher rating, however I felt a little dissatisfied with the ending. Usually Almodovar's plots come full circle, but this one was left hanging. There are other spoilers too that I won't mention that never get addressed in the ending. It was otherwise splendidly directed, beautiful and also colourful. I enjoyed it, but it's not my favourite of his films that I've seen so far.
Like Pedro Almodovar's other films, the plot is extremely creative and complex, but not at all hard to follow. I think the best part of the film is Lena's character. She is complex, sexual, and yet extremely vulnerable at the same time.
I would give this movie a higher rating, however I felt a little dissatisfied with the ending. Usually Almodovar's plots come full circle, but this one was left hanging. There are other spoilers too that I won't mention that never get addressed in the ending. It was otherwise splendidly directed, beautiful and also colourful. I enjoyed it, but it's not my favourite of his films that I've seen so far.