Synopsis: A luminous Penélope Cruz stars as an actress who sacrifices everything for true love in Broken Embraces, Academy Award -winning filmmaker (2003, Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Talk to Her) Pedro Almodóvar's acclaimed tale of sex, secrets and cinema. When her father becomes gravely ill, beautiful Lena (Cruz) consents to a relationship with her boss Ernesto (José Luis Gómez), a very wealthy, much-older man who pays for her father's hospitalization and provides her a lavish lifestyle. But Lena's dream is to act and soon she falls for the director of her first film - a project bankrolled by her husband to keep her near. Upon his discovery of the affair, Ernesto stops at nothing to ruin Lena's happiness.

Review: One of the first things that strikes you about this film, especially on blu-ray, is the use of color.  Director Pedro Almodóvar is famous, or infamous rather, for his use of colors in his filmmaking.  This new feature is no exception!  The costumes and the backrounds really pop in a way that you don't typically see in film these days.  It is very clear that this is an international film.

The actual story isn't terribly original, but its poignant nonetheless.  I enjoyed Penélope Cruz in this film.  I haven't historically cared about her roles, but after Nine and this film I am really starting to get on board with her work.  She's vulnerable, but cunning in this movie, which can only be described as lavish.  

The blu-ray special features include:
       •       Deleted scenes
       •       “Pedro Directs Penélope” Featurette
       •       “On the Red Carpet:  The New York Film Festival Closing Night” Featurette
       •       “Variety Q & A with Penélope Cruz”
       •        “The Cannibalistic Councillor” (La Concejala Antropófaga) – an original short film by Pedro Almodóvar

I highly recommend checking this one out.  Its a great watch, definately something to enjoy with someone you love.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars