I'm writing this Cineblog about the new film by one of my all-time favorite directors, Pedro Almodóvar, whom I had the honor of meeting the week before he won an Academy Award for All about My Mother back in 2000.

Los Abrazos Rotos, or Broken Embraces, is the name of his new film. It premieres on March 18, and there is already buzz that it will play at Cannes. The teaser is very short, but leaves no doubt that this is a film by the one and only Almodóvar.

Pedro Almodóvar releases his new project three years after his last hit film, Volver, for which Penelope Cruz was nominated for Best Actress. Broken Embraces is the first Cruz film after her Oscar-winning turn in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which puts her in the midst of great expectation, now that all eyes are on her. Pedro says he will show a new kind of Penelope that nobody has seen in the movies before.

Cruz is accompanied by a great cast, which includes Lluís Homar, Blanca Portillo, Lola Duenas, Angela Molina, Ruben Ochandiano, Carmen Machi, Rossy de Palma, Alejo Sauras, Dani Martín and Chus Lampreave.

Here is the poster of the film, which as you can see is a bit Andy Warhol, but then it is recognized that it's an Almodóvar film. The three color variants on the final poster for Broken Embraces show Pedro Almodóvar's Warholian influence. It seems that Pedro is drawn to the prominence of the pop-art movement. His posters can most accurately be described as Pedro AlmoWarhol!

About the script: This is the longest film of Almodóvar's career, 2 1/2 hours long, crossing a passionate thriller and a tragedy with a touch of dark humor. It's set in two different eras: one in the ‘90s and the other in the present day. His characters are in the film industry. The film does not focus on films or on film business, but on a personal story with the film business as the subplot. The story tells of a filmmaker and scriptwriter named Mateo Blanco (Lluís Homar), who lives and loves in the dark because of his blindness, caused by a brutal car accident that happened 14 years ago. He remembers his previous life as well as the love of his life, Lena (Penélope Cruz).

With less than a week left of waiting for the film's release, hope is building that Pedro will continue on the path of great cinema.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most anticipated films of the season in our Latin cinematic landscape. This film is a must-see for all those who have enjoyed and admired through laughter and tears the exquisite sensitivity of Almodóvar. All the best to you, Master Filmmaker!