Jonnel Duka Espaldon

I thought it was a laughed-out loud comedy but it was not. Rather, a beautifully woven story of growing up, sisterhood, careers, love, life mistakes along the way (embarrassing and shameful), death and a lot of booze-drinking Spanish ladies. Ha, ha, ha. But nonetheless all the quirks came out reconciled and heartwarming at the end. In this Spanish movie, you drink, remember, learn and mature as a family member not spilled your guts out and forget. No es una familia perfecta, sino una llena de amor y compasión.

I did not doze off a bit and came to know the movie was 2.15 hours long after the end. Beautiful storytelling from start to finish. The flashbacks and flash-forwards within the movie were on point and seamlessly woven together in a non-linear narrative. To those who have not yet read the book, this movie is about women seeking empowerment in their own unique ways but without oppressing anyone. The character development was done well through bits and pieces of symbolisms all throughout the movie. The cast ensemble is excellent. Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper serve as cherries on top of this well-baked cake of a Christmas movie. Go out and see it at the theatres. Please don't watch it free online or on a pirated video. You are doing a disservice to this magnificent movie and to yourself who like excellent artwork.