One Of The Best Woody Allen Films

Rating: 10/10 (16 August 2013)

Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a romantic comedy/drama that features Scarlett Johansson,Rebecca Hall,Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz.It centers on two American women,Vicky and Cristina while on vacation in Barcelona.It was written and directed by Woody Allen.
The story starts as two American friends, the cerebral and somewhat uptight Vicky and the heedless and free-spirited Cristina arrive in Barcelona to spend the summer.They stay with friends of Vicky's family she can further her work as a grad student in Catalan cultural studies. While Cristina goes there to pursue an interest in photography. Because they are young and beautiful and artistically inclined, it is only a matter of time before they run across Juan Antonio, a hunky artist who is still enamored of his mentally and emotionally unstable ex-wife María Elena.Cristina is smitten. Vicky is not for she is engaged. The three depart anyway on a spontaneous weekend journey to the scenic town of Oviedo. Sex happens and that complications ensue. Soon after they return to Barcelona, Cristina is ensconced in Juan Antonio's house and Vicky is awaiting the arrival of his beau, who thinks it might be romantic to get married in Spain, to try out the show in the provinces before opening for family and friends in New York. Then Maria Elena appears on the scene, penniless and in emotional upheaval. Though their marriage ended when she literally stabbed him in the back, Juan Antonio feels obliged to take her in. And Cristina goes along with the new arrangement.
This is one of the best Woody Allen movie in years.It has great dialogue.It is refreshing to have pretty people who say witty and sometimes interesting things.Besides Allen's amazing dialogue, he also had the most perfect musical score and some great ideas on how to shoot certain scenes.Also worth mentioning that this movie was shot on location in Spain that provided the film a beautiful cinematography. The acting is also commendable.Penelope Cruz is definitely superb as Maria Elena by elevating what could be stereotypical role into indelible characters.Obviously,her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress is a testament to that.Overall,it was definitely one of the most enjoyable and best films during its time of release.