Since her big-screen debut in the acclaimed 1992 Spanish romantic comedy Ham, Ham, Penélope Cruz has slowly become an international superstar. She spent the next decade working on the films of legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodovar. In the early 2000s, she was invited to Hollywood and immediately teamed up with Tom Cruise in Vanilla Sky (2001).
2008 was the year of the Oscar for the actress, she received the award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in Woody Allen’s romantic comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In this one, as in “Ham, Ham”, she again shares the screen with her future husband Javier Bardem. After this project, they no longer separated. Of his recent work, we can remember the drama Parallel Mothers (2001) by Almodóvar and a duet with Antonio Banderas in the comedy-drama The Leading Role (2021). This year, the screens will release the biopic “Ferrari”, where she plays the wife of the famous Italian designer. Thus, the five best films of Penelope Cruz according to the portal of film critics Rotten Tomatoes.
“Open Your Eyes” (1997) – 85%
Still from the movie “Open Your Eyes” (1997)
Photo source: Canal+ Spain
Alejandro Amenábar’s film was remade by Cameron Crowe four years after it premiered as Vanilla Sky (2001). Cruz played a character named Sophia in both versions. The mysterious sci-fi story follows the life of Cesar (Eduardo Noriega), a man who needs facial reconstruction surgery after a serious car accident. In prison, he reminisces about the time he spent with his one true love, Sophia. When Cesar discusses the past with a psychotherapist, he again tries to get over their breakup.
“Return” (2006) – 91%
Image from the movie “Return” (2006)
Photo source: Canal+ Spain
Cruz received his first Oscar nomination for his role as Pedro Almodovar in this heartbreaking drama. Her heroine Raimunda, protecting her daughter, kills her husband. This death sets off an incredible chain of events, further complicating Raimunda’s already complicated family history.
“The Graceful Age” (1992) – 95%
Image from the movie “Graceful Age” (1992)
Photo source: Animagrafo
The romantic drama Fernando Trueba marked Cruz’s second appearance on the big screen. She played Luz, who develops a relationship with Fernando (Jorge Sanz), a deserting soldier in 1930s Spain.
Hiding in the farmhouse to avoid punishment, the hero changes dramatically when the owner’s four beautiful daughters arrive. And unfortunately, the young man falls in love with all four at once. When each of them returns the favor to Fernando, it puts him in front of a difficult choice.
“Pain and Glory” (2019) – 96%
Image from the movie “Pain and Glory” (2019)
Photo source: Canal+
One of Pedro Almodovar’s recent films, semi-autobiographical. Antonio Banderas portrays the Spanish director at a time when his career is at a crossroads.
According to the plot, Salvador Mallo is an aging filmmaker who begins to take stock of his life and work. After meeting several people from the past, he experiences a midlife crisis, remembering his mother (Cruz), a difficult childhood, and other important events that shaped his personality.
“All About My Mother” (1999) – 98%
Image from the film “All About My Mother” (1999)
Photo source: El Deceo
In Pedro Almodovar’s gripping drama All About My Mother, Cecilia Roth played the role of Manuela superbly. After a terrible accident, his life changes completely. The heroine goes on a trip and meets many strangers, including her sister Maria Rosa (Cruz), giving all of them all possible help. In doing so, she acquires a new meaning in life and the will to move forward.
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