Pedro pulls in another gem

Talk to Her

Director: Pedro Almodovar

Cast: Javier Camera, Dario Grandinetti, Geraldine Chaplin, Leonor Watling

Cert: 18.

The Spanish director Pedro Almodovar has always been one of the few male moviemakers with the uncanny ability to fashion female-friendly works.

He seems to understand women in a clearly-defined and highly-individualistic way.

Now, in this emotional and thoroughly satisfying drama, he finally turns his attention to the male of the species, and does it with equal insight and power.

He is helped by the playing of his cast, by the collective strength of performers who understand their characters.

The usual themes are to be enjoyed - love and needing - as is the entire film from a consistent master of the screen art.

Star Rating: ****