Volver a empezar

Besides, the story told is very sensitive and real. It reflects the situation that a man faces when he comes back to his homeland after living abroad many years. All the characters, the photography of this beautiful city, the Real Sporting, and the story, make this movie a real pleasure to watch. I am not surprised that it was awarded the Oscar to the Best Foreign Film in 1982 from the National Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

...and Pachelbel's Canon!!! Yes, if you enjoy these timeless melodies, be sure and not see "Volver a empezar." I assure you, you won't like them anymore. These tunes played over and over and over again until I was thoroughly sick of them. I wonder if that wasn't what was killing Albajara.

To give it some credit, the film did feature attractive landscape photography, and the acting was reasonably accomplished. But the story was utterly generic soap opera and the direction was pedestrian, when it wasn't aiming for sickly sentimentality. (No pun intended)

If you absolutely must watch a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar winner / soap opera, stick with "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears."

I stumbled upon this film, and was tempted not to watch it when the first minutes were so quiet. However, I was slowly drawn into the life of the characters and the reasons why Antonio had returned to his home town. There was a sensitive balance between what was being communicated in words, and what was being said through the cinematography. This is a film that some will not enjoy. It is a gentle film, where matters of the heart are more important than the acts that made Antonio the remarkable person he is. It is a film full of understatement, with so much being said in so many small ways. The exception is the role of Agustin Gonzalez whose has to be over the top in an old world way and who plays his part to perfection. Have we not all met people like him - obsequious, yet trying so hard to be the perfect concierge? Elena, played by Encarna Paso enters the film out of nowhere for the viewer, but we learn she has been with Antonio for many years, out of sight but not out of mind. Again, playing an understated role to perfection. This is a film for anyone who is in a relationship, and who has a heart for the future.

This movie is one of my ten favorites. I have seen it so many times and it still touches my heart. The plot is realistic, the director is unique and the actors are really great. If you haven't seen it yet, don't wait any longer. It's a piece of art, it's a true classic.

Great movie, watching it again with family thats visiting from El Salvador as i write this review.

The movie is a timeless classic. The numerous poems and stories told as the movie unfolds give it a timeless feeling. This is my 5th viewing it never loses it magic

I purchased a VHS copy and paid to have it converted to DVD. Well worth the $100.00 bucks to buy it, get it shipped and have in converted to DVD. Love this movie.

My mother in law and sister in law haven't spoken a word since the movie started...