It seems that some people still don't realise that it was Franco who was the rebel, against a democratically elected government. Part of the tension of the film stems from the fact that father and son are supporters of that government, despite its weaknesses and divisions, and that the wife/mother figure believes that Franco will save the upper classes from socialism.
Penelope Cruz has a very minor role in this movie and the role of younger sister is much more important. The differing political views of the sisters are in large part a reflection of differences between the mother and father.
To me the romantic element was not key to a movie which I perceived to be in equal measure about culture change and the social attitudes of the period.
BTW, Polly Walker reminded me strongly of a young Sophia Loren!
Penelope Cruz has a very minor role in this movie and the role of younger sister is much more important. The differing political views of the sisters are in large part a reflection of differences between the mother and father.
To me the romantic element was not key to a movie which I perceived to be in equal measure about culture change and the social attitudes of the period.
BTW, Polly Walker reminded me strongly of a young Sophia Loren!