Customer Reviews

Open Your Eyes (Abre Los Ojos) [PAL/REGION 0 DVD. Import-Australia]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This mesmerizing and original Spanish film from director Alejandro Amenabar is about the life we dream of, and the life we're given, and the manner in which it is told is nothing short of brilliant. Eduardo Noriega portrays a shallow bed-hopping young man named Ceaser who has never given a second thought to real love until he falls for Sophia, who just happens to be the girl his best friend brings to his birthday party.

Penelope Cruz gives a sexy and luminous performance in her own language as the charming Sophia. Contrasting her is Najwa Nimri as the overtly sexual Nuria, the one-night-stand who has Ceaser's shallow number and refuses to just go away. She plays on his weaker personality by accusing him of being scared to take a ride with her for one last fling and the aftermath is a mind altering journey.

An apparently disfigured Ceaser finds himself in the criminal psychiatric ward after being accused of a murder he can't remember anything about. He tries to sort through his dreams, and possibly his memories, with the help of Antonio (Cheta Lera) and begins to slowly unravel what is real and what is imagined. To reveal more would ruin the journey for the viewer. This film is a terrific thriller that ultimately becomes a heartfelt drama of what can happen when we put the emphasis on the shallow and realize the need for tenderness and love too late. It is that human element which lifts this sci-fi into good drama as well.

The performances are solid, Noriega excellent as usual, with the fawn-like grace of Cruz a enhancing a haunting performance. Fine editing and sets augment a unique piece of cinema from director Alejandro Amenabar, lifting this film above its glitzier American remake. The ending will linger with the viewer a very long time. A must see for foreign film lovers.

This movie is the title that inspired Vanilla Sky almost shot for shot! Although both movies are worth the watch, there are a few things that make this movie the pick if you have to choose between the two. Just know that this is the original and the first to come up with the original plot ideas and plot twists. Plus, if you understand anything about Spanish film, the traditional rebellious and anti-fascist themes and spirit are intact.

There's a couple topless shots around the 1 hour 5 min mark where Penelope Cruz has sex on top of a guy. There's one other scene about the 1 hr 26 min area. Not a lot of skin in this movie, but if you are a Penelope Cruz fan, you will enjoy her sexual scenes. I didnt pay too much attention to the plot so i cant help you there...