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Broken Embraces
User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 3 out of 28

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  1. BradK.
    Nov 20, 2009
    10
    A gorgeous film! Cruz is incredible and unmatched in her ability to morph and demonstrate nuance throughout the film. The overall feeling of the film is unsettling in a captivating way. This is not "Volver," but closer to "Bad Education," but with a sense of humor in light of the bleak scenario. It also brilliantly captures the effects of Spanish literature's common metatextual and autoreferential themes, with "Chicas y Maletas" mirroring "Women on the Verge..." and Cruz herself playing a woman who wants to be an actress, a star, in a film from the leader of Spanish film.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  2. Mornington
    Oct 23, 2010
    8
    Pedro Almodóvar is a single-minded artist who always has one eye on the story and the characters, and the other on the delight of the film's images and colours. Never has there been a filmmaker who uses such an inspired and gorgeous and sumptuous palette.
  3. AnnMary
    Nov 28, 2009
    9
    Penelope Cruz is one the best actresses in the world nowadays. This is a new example of her excellent way of performing and her lovely talent. She deserves another Academy Award Nomination.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  4. smijatov
    Jan 1, 2011
    7
    Broken Embraces seems to be a typical Almadovar film - which is very good, to say the least. He uses his typical ways of directing, which have by now become his trademark. With his usual excellent cast, and of-late muse Penelope Cruz leading the way, the film just shows great character development. That is both due to the screenplay and a rather impressive response of the actors to the screenplay and Almodovar's direction. The original score of the film is also rather captivating. However, one cannot but compare his latest to his previous films, such as Volver, La mala educacion or Hable con ella, and once one does it, one can see that Broken Embraces (Los abrazos rotos) is not quite as great as the others. There is just something missing. However, it is still a very good film, coming from the best Spanish (if not European) director, starring the best Spanish actors. I'd highly recommend it!!… Expand
  5. asthobaskoro
    Apr 29, 2011
    4
    Pedro Almodovar? Check. Hard-boiled 1950s American film noir? Check. Penelope Cruz? Check. I think it's not bad movie but it's quite not interesting for me.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. Empire
    Reviewed by: Kim Newman
    80
    Gorgeous and seductive, if pitched at Almodóvar fans and perhaps a touch long. Those drawn by Cruz's divadom will wonder why it takes so long to get to her -- though she is wholly dazzling when it does.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    70
    This is a pretty minor film from the filmmaker. It feels like more of an exercise in plotting and movie nostalgia than a story about real people.
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  3. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Anthony Lane
    50
    Seems a touch too long, too airless, and too content with its own contrivances to stir the heart.
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