Volver

(2006)

Volver is an ensemble comedy/drama from Spain's most famous director, Pedro Almodovar. A woman (Penelope Cruz) lives with her husband and teenage daughter in Madrid. When the husband tries to rape the daughter (Yohana Cobo), the daughter kills him, and mom hides the body. Mother and daughter as well as mother's sister (Carmen Maura) have recently visited their village to clean the gravestone of their parents, and to visit some elderly relatives. The sister is an illegal hairdresser, working out of her home. Their parents supposedly died in a fire, but there are persistent rumors that their mother has returned from the dead, and has been taking care of her own sister. When that particular aunt dies, Carmen Maura goes to the funeral, and finds her dead mom in the car when she gets home. Before the film is over, everyone learns a bunch of family secrets.

Critics were enthusiastic, the academy nominated it for an Oscar, and the film won 41 awards and 46 other nominations. It nearly swept the Goyas, winning best film, best director, best lead actress, best original score and best supporting actress. While I agree that this is a fine film, I don't think it is Almodovar's best effort to date. My pick would be Habla Con Ella.

IMDb: 7.7.

Yohana Cobo shows her right breast when her drunken father spies on her in the bathroom.

Scoop's note: Here's a film clip of the scene, albeit not a very good one.