Since I mentioned this movie as a recommendation to another CDFreak, here is the pertinent review:




Carne trémula (Live Flesh) (1997) 103 mins., Spanish


(4 stars)

This is a powerful drama that involves a series of twists that seem unlikely, nevertheless possible. It shows circumstances can victimize an innocent person and how the ones that would be considered 'good' people can go bad. While some Hispanic movies use patterns of 3's to show a "complete" picture of the subject matter and interaction/evolution of the characters, this one uses a pattern of "two," or one that intends to either show "agreement or harmony" or "disagreement or rejection." Pay attention to the two cops and how their lives evolve; the ties between Victor/Elena; and the ties between Victor/Clara. People can learn from one another in the most unexpected ways and if one keeps living and attempting to do better, redemption IS possible--although it might never have looked possible from the start. Look at how the 'truth' comes out about the shooting, and how it affects the characters. When you combine these things with the other messages to not stereotype anyone by looks/profession, with how both men and women need love and understanding on their levels, you'll see how well Almodóvar weaved all these details to create such an interesting series of storylines in this movie.