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Reviews
Manolete (2008)
A matadors mistress was everything I expected from 2 of my favorite actors
I found this movie looking through dvds at a dollar store. After I watched it, it almost felt like an insult that it was in that store.
To me this movie is priceless. I've always romanticized THE TORRIDER, THE CORRIDOR . Everything involved in this gruesome Spanish tradition.
I couldn't imagine anyone else but ADRIEN BRODY portraying the maestro, Manolete. His infatuation with death and the dreams that eventually become a tragic reality.
Penélope Cruze just saying her name gives me that chill on my skin that feels like the hairs are about to stand up. Again in this film her unique beauty make me not notice if there are any other females in this film. She portrayed LUPE as though she had reincarnated. I loved the score, the way they incorporated the cloudy vibrant colors you actually see at a bullfight from the dirt being kicked in the air by EL TORRO. Much like you'd see in one of the famous paintings of a bullfight.
The ending. Wow! In the tradition of many of the Spanish directed films. I felt like someone reached deep into my soul and pulled my heart out. I cried. Out loud. I finally in my 40's learned to cry. I'm not ashamed to say that. This film left me melancholy . But also a warm feeling. I'd just learned the story of a mans life who was lucky enough to experience a beautiful love affair. Tragic but the kind people dream of.
OLE' j.a. Cox