KieltySaur

When a film can plunge into the darkest corners of human nature and only seconds later have the audience rolling with laughter, you know you've found something special. Writer/Director Pedro Almodovar returns with a beautiful piece that finds time to focus as much on the intricities of female relationships as it does on Penelope Cruz's behind.

Carmen Maura is hilarious as the mother returned from the dead to care for her dysfunctional family. Cruz is the estranged daughter now living with a daughter of her own, Paula, played by the stunning young talent Yohanna Cobo. Paula and her mother have more in common than meets the eye and the story's biggest twist centres around their relationship past and present.

While the setting is in contemporary Spain, the events are absurd. When Irene (Maura) returns to her daughters in Madrid, there is a period of disbelief- yet when she returns to the village in which she lived no one questions the fact that of course, Aunt Irene's spirit has returned, these things happen. Catergory? Fantastic realism.

Despite the female focus, this is no chick flick, simply an excellent story with all female actors. There's death, reunion, regret- and lots of loud cheek kissing. An uplifting darkly themed take on life.