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Cast: Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger, John Corbett, Joaquim de Almeida, Danny Pino, Jennifer Lawrence, Jose Maria Yazpik
A romantic mystery about hope, redemption and second chances. Sylvia (Theron) is a woman on the edge whose cool, professional demeanor masks a deeply troubled, sexually charged storm within. When a stranger from Mexico confronts her with her mysterious past, she is launched into an emotional journey back to the defining moment of her life. Gina (Basinger) is a housewife trapped in a loveless marriage who finds solace and passion in an illicit affair. Though separated by time and great distances, these women find their lives linked by the forces of love and fate.
It is always nice to see "A" list actors take part in an Independent film, they do these type of films because they see that the the film is well-written and they believe in the project. This is one of those movies, for starters how can you beat a cast that includes, Kim Basinger as Gina, mother of four in New Mexico with an absent, sexually disinterested,husband, and who's having an affair; Jennifer Lawrence as Mariana, Gina's late teen daughter who knows what Mom's up to; Charilze Theron as Sylvia, who is a sexually promiscuous restaurant owner in Oregon; and Tessa La as Maria, who is a 12 yr old Mexican American living with her father, a crop-duster. The film might seem a bit confusing at first but as the pieces begin to fall together you then finally realize all these woman are all related and that they share a certain tragedy. Writer/Director Guillermo Arriaga is no stranger to this type of story with multiple story-lines coming together, He has done this before in 2006 with his film "Bable". The flashback and present time scenes blend together perfecting to tell the story of guilt, abandonment, and forgiveness among other things. I can honestly say the least you know about the film the better because watching it for yourself and getting the rewards of sitting through the mystery early on is very satisfying in the end. This might not be for everyone since it is more a thinking man's drama and some of you out there might get bored or confused enough to give up on it but if you stick with the rewards out number the mystery and perhaps confusion early on. There is so much to like here and even some food for thought as well, you don't get to see cinema like this very often so I highly recommend picking this one up. One of the best movies of 2009 this is both thought-provoking and captivating well remaining highly entertaining.
Released by Magnolia Home Entertainment. **** Out Of *****