I am a sucker for female characters who emanate strength in various forms. They can be brash hard-hitters in exploitation films, or display their emotional fortitude in melodramas or movies of sentiment.

This segment centers on women’s strength in dealing with death and the dead. The female characters are able to lead their loved one’s through these times of trial. I know women close to me that have felt the presence of loved ones who have recently passed. They have claims of signs and ’strength’ passed onto them in different forms. I am dedicating this one to them.

Volver

Volver is Pedro Almod’var’s most recently released film on DVD. It opens with the women from a windy village diligently cleaning debris off of the tombstones in a local cemetery. The ritual is even extended, as one woman cares for her future resting place. Pen’lope Cruz’s character finds the strength and resources to lead her daughter through immediate crisis. The story also involves her sister, their deceased mother, and what she ultimately did to save the family. In the game of hit or miss, Almod’var seems to always hit in a big way for my money.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

I first learned about The Ghost and Mrs. Muir from a recommendation by director Cory McAbee on the extra features from his wonderful movie, The American Astronaut. It is one of those timeless classics. A recently widowed young woman decides to uproot with her daughter and leaves the comforting safety of her in-law’s home, who have genuinely promised to care for them. She daringly leverages an unwanted seaside home, which is haunted by an arrogant sea captain. The tenacious woman refuses to be scared off by his spiteful tactics, and the two find common ground in which to build a special bonding relationship.

Until next time, I hope you have a great viewing experience. Comments are welcomed at livingroomcinema@yahoo.com.