This historical epic, a rarity for quirky Catalonian director Bigas Luna (JAMON, JAMON, GOLDEN BALLS), is quite an achievement. One which has been undeservedly maligned by many. Aitana Sanchez Gijon has been praised for her performance as the Duchess of Alba, having won the Best Actress award at the 1999 San Sebastian Film Festival. The rest of the stellar cast: Penelope Cruz, Jordi Moya', and Jorge Perugorria (as Goya) are at least adequate, and the art direction, and look of the movie are both breathtaking.
Review of Volaverunt
Volaverunt
(1999)
Sweeping historical epic about the Duchess of Alba, Goya's "Naked Maja"
30 November 2000