What an interesting film! Penelope Cruz is at the center of the movie, which is in Spanish with subtitles. Her sister, her mother, her daughter, her aunt, her friend, her husband each present puzzles and paradoxes in the middle of a lush feast of food and an excellent look at Spanish homes and scenery.
There is a bad guy, there are good guys, there is illness, death, crime, even a ghost. Confusion reigns through much of the film, as we are working on a number of story lines at once. Love is present in abundance, healing old hurts, finishing up old stories. Laughing out loud funny, and quiet chuckles, are also strong features. Justice is done and peace reigns, with no need for police, judge or jury.
Definitely didn’t feel like an American movie. No need for black / white, yes / no, up / down. Just lots of room for life to be lived and the stories to be told. What a joy!