L'arbre de sang

Yet another great Spanish movie. It provokes you to engage in the storyline emotionally. The plot follows the pace of the events, which just overtake you. Crucial and underestimated subjects are discussed (or not) as secrecy, sacrifice, devotion, sense of duty, decency. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts. The amazing thing is, it embraces you to feel and think along the movie. You are allowed to create your own opinion, through your perspective, there are no boundaries, no villains or heroes. Just people following their intuition and feelings. The realism of it, contrasts the surrealism of the events, without the one overshadowing the other. I didn't find it slow. Each character was allowed enough screentime to be understood completely. I admired the metaphors, the symbolism, the use of tradition and its impact on peoples' insticts. That's what European cinematography is about. Amazing movie. Investment of time.

A couple decides to write a story and solve the missing links among them as their parents have inter relationships of all nature and all in unusual way. They one by one solve the missing strings and unfold the what has happened really... To arrive at the final conclusion and so on the usual infidelity, Lesbian marriage, Organ Transplant, exotic love scenes, age difference couple, Oedipus complex, hanging relationships, tell truth to partner no matter what all possible covered . With typical bull accident usage of bull run Spanish background filmed. Cute couple and one Olmo character faithful to all human instinct crafted very well. Even the heroine of the film admires him a lot. By doing so too much of flashback is used at times a little confusing too... but over all when its a mystery to be opened it is expected. Director does that job precisely. Being very intense movie it will make complexities not easy to negotiate.

I understand some people found it too slow but I am spanish and I am used to this dramas. The acting is good, the story is good but it develops slow. I did enjoy it. Let me put it this way, did you like..."all about my mother...". If yes, then this is a film for you. Otherwise you may dont like it

This gripping tale moves with fast intensity to weave a complex story, uncoiling to reveal the details that allow the joining of dots, just as the characters themselves unearth and share the family secrets which create the big picture. Vivid characters are played to the core with operatic emotion in their playful journey of self and mutual discovery. Story, settings, languages and and stunning fiming cover distinct regions of Spain to ultimately unite them in their viscerally connected way. This film is larger than life, totally gripping and needs several rewatches to gather up all the whirlwind strands - a carefully crafted and unique offering.

Being accustomed to US movies, I thought this was a good way to present a family story, and a number of love stories. The psychological evolutions were interesting, and there were elements of intrigue. Good story and acting. What more could you want?