Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
USA 96m, Colour
Director: Woody Allen; Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem
A smart, cleverly written, funny, and beautiful looking romantic comedy filled with great performances by the entire cast. Juan Antonio, played by Javier Bardem, is a most charming Latin scoundrel who can always say exactly what is required to seduce the woman of his choice. The focus of his attention, two American girls on vacation who fall prey to his charms but must endure the return of his first true love – his eccentric and often dangerous ex-wife who is convincingly played by Penélope Cruz. This is a truly likable movie which portrays the most interesting part of traveling abroad – the summer relationship (Klaus Ming March 2009).
One thing I liked about it particularly was that when it was near the end I was reminded that all of the action takes place during one summer, and I thought that Woody was stretching it. But then I thought and realized (and remembered) that, when you’re the age the Cristina and Vicki are, there are often summers like that, when you have whole relationships and revelations and huge changes, all in a very short time.
I liked it for the very same reason, and I think that was exactly Woody’s point – A summer is all you need when you’re their age.