-->
Year: 2009
Runtime: 127 min
Language: Spanish
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
In the aftermath of Ernesto Martel's passing, a complex web of secrets and unrequited passions is unearthed, forcing one man to confront the demons of his past. A tale of love, deception, and redemption unfolds as Harry Caine, once Mateo Blanco, a blind film director, navigates the treacherous landscape of his former life.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Broken Embraces yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
A man navigates through life, love, and creativity shrouded in darkness. Fourteen years prior, he endured a devastating car crash on the island of Lanzarote that not only robbed him of his sight but also resulted in the tragic loss of Lena, the woman he adored more than anything.
This complex individual adopts two identities: Harry Caine, a whimsical alias under which he publishes his literary works, including stories and scripts, and Mateo Blanco, his true name associated with the film he directs. Following the incident, Mateo Blanco relinquished his identity, fading into the persona of Harry Caine. For him, the loss resonates deeply; he believes Mateo Blanco perished alongside his beloved Lena on that fateful day in Lanzarote.
In the present, Harry Caine exists primarily on the basis of his scripts and the unwavering support he receives from his devoted former production manager, Judit García, and her son Diego. As a blind man, he thrives through the richness of his other senses, embracing life with a blend of irony and self-imposed amnesia. He has meticulously erased every trace of his initial identity, Mateo Blanco, from his past.
One fateful night, after an unexpected encounter with recreational drugs, Harry finds himself taking care of Diego, who is recuperating in the absence of his mother, Judit, who is away in Madrid. Rather than alarming her, they choose to keep the situation under wraps. During Diego’s first nights of recovery, curiosity gets the better of him, and he begins to inquire about the time when Harry was known as Mateo Blanco. Caught off guard but unable to decline, Harry reluctantly shares his poignant past with Diego.
He recounts the entwined lives of Mateo, Lena, Judit, and Ernesto Martel, a tale woven with themes of amour fou, overshadowed by destiny, jealousy, abuse, betrayal, and deep-seated guilt. This emotional saga encapsulates a moving yet harrowing narrative, which is epitomized by the heart-wrenching imagery of two lovers caught in a passionate embrace, shattered into countless fragments.
Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:51
Broken Embraces (2009) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Broken Embraces (2009) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Broken Embraces – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Broken Flowers (2005) Full Summary & Key Details
The Broken Circle Breakdown (2013) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Broken Star (2018) Movie Recap & Themes
Bitter Moon (1994) Full Movie Breakdown
The Embalmer (2003) Movie Recap & Themes
Broken (2013) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Broken English (2007) Complete Plot Breakdown
Breaking and Entering (2006) Full Movie Breakdown
Broken Sky (2006) Story Summary & Characters
Broken City (2013) Complete Plot Breakdown
Breathless (1983) Full Movie Breakdown
Not Easily Broken (2009) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
El Cortez (2006) Full Movie Breakdown
The Broken Tower (2011) Complete Plot Breakdown
Language of a Broken Heart (2013) Film Overview & Timeline