Clara y Elena

This is a movie based on the performances of 2 outstanding Spanish actresses Carmen Maura and Veronica Forque playing 2 different sisters with two opposite ways of living. Director Manuel Iborra gives a very human and real view of family life and I'm sure many people will identified with the life of this 2 sisters. Just as in life there is comedy, drama, changes of opinion, romance but the plot is not contrived . Veronica Forque is so natural that you think she's not even performing , for me is one of the most outstanding Spanish performers . Carmen Maura do her excellent job as usual. The conflicts and joys of family life are present in this movie. Special guest appearances by Jorge Sanz and Alexis Valdés.

Clara is a denigrated housewife whose husband cheats on her and who has sacrificed her personal goals for the benefit of her family. Elena is a free spirit who has travelled the globe and never lets any relationship last too long. They are both marked by the fact that their mother walked out when they were young, and despite their different attitudes toward life and their father these sisters are very close. The film examines the evolution of their relationship when they meet after many years of separation: when Clara discovers that she is ill.

This is no TERMS OF ENDEARMENT a la española; however, as the story is a refreshingly original and realistic treatment of familial relationships, the value of personal sacrifice and responsibility.

Both Maura and Forqué put in marvellous performances. Is it a shame that this film has been overlooked by audiences in favour of more commercial products.