Matador Reviews

Blood sacrifice

If you want to understand how modern Spain looks forward yet brings the past along, this film is a great introduction. Slowly, Almodovar strips away the layers of respectability and authority to reveal the earthy soul of his country. Angel, the student matador, grows from a mere sad case to the vehicle through which other characters' undersides are revealed. The use of tradition, open attitudes to sexuality and new slants on ultimate, unconditional love make this a must. Go click.

Strange.....

Even for Pedro Almaldovar this one is pretty wierd. Still worth the watch though.

Not his best, but classic Almodovar. Antonio Banderas is brilliantly brooding and weird, and the film is beautifully made.

Highly entertaining and original in true Almodovar fashion. Whilst the film will not have you hanging on to your seat like an American style thriller, the lack of sensationalism enhances the experience as it forces you to reflect on the criminal pysche.

Yes, weird, but passionate too!

It's not perfect, has its flaws, but a very original, at times disturbing film showing different layers of Spanish life and passion (much overused word, but still true).

Very good, Banderas turns in a good performance here, and I'm not a great fan of his, so would recommend this one!

An intriguing and reasonably funny story line, which contains a few rough male-centred sex scenes. Ultimately I felt rather disengaged with the movie and by the end did not care what happened to any of the characters.

Gored with passion

A tale of a dark, passionate, full bodied, murderous affair with the viewer as the only one with all the knowledge of the devious nature of the central characters. An earlier supporting performance from Antonio Banderas adds another twist to this intriguing mystery.

Mighty weird

I saw this film many years ago now - it was actually the first Almodovar I saw and I had not idea what to expect. I was literally gobsmacked, came out of the movie theatre laughing and confused. The opening scene sets the stage...and the film ends on a completely ridiculous note... but if you are up for a weird experience then this is a pretty good one to have.

I actually really liked it and set me up for many other Almodovar adventures.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Load of old bull

Nutty Almodovar black comedy finds retired bullfighter Martinez unable to resist killing outside of the ring, matched by lady lawyer Serna who can only achieve orgasm if she kills her partner in mid-act. Throw into this heady mix a young and troubled Banderas, who confesses to murders that he didn't commit. Somewhere in all this lurid nonsense is a silly tale of psychic channelling and star-crossed lovers. Over-the-top doesn't begin to describe it, and that's part of its allure.