The Traveler

Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: Life & Style

Such passing moments of regrets didn't occur until I watched "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in the theatres during last holiday week. Although I did enjoy "Match Point," other recent Woody Allen films did not hold my interest. My sister and I decided to catch an early show of the picture. We did not have any high expectations about "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," but the film was captivating, especially the Barcelona setting, the music of the Spanish guitar, and of the enthralling performances by Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. While I found the plot to be rather contrived and the film obviously isn't Allen's best, I found it to be charming. It was then that I continuously dwelled in my thoughts of Spain and my lost opportunities to have further experienced the country. Although I was amazed to see the brilliant, contemporary art in Brussels, the Spanish old ruins and historical architecture would have been just as lovely to see.??

Needless to say, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" fueled my interest in watching Spanish films, and I rented Pedro Almodovar's exquisite "Volver" for my weekend film. It was even better than Allen's film, which might not be a complete surprise as Almodovar is a better storyteller and has more strength as a director. The manner in which he sets his tales in Spain is reminiscent of the way Haruki Murakami is able to effortlessly describe Tokyo that allows the readers to feel as if they are in the bustling, noisy city.

As I watched "Volver," I've never felt so seduced in learning the Spanish language.?

Anna Nguyen is the Lifestyles editor for The Arkansas Traveler. Her column appears every other Monday.

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