Live Flesh

1997, Drama, 1h 43m

43 Reviews 10,000+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

Live Flesh surveys the fallout from an act of violence with a mature melodrama that sees Pedro Almodóvar working in surprisingly restrained form. Read critic reviews

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Live Flesh Photos

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Movie Info

Victor (Liberto Rabal) goes to meet Elena (Francesca Neri) for a date. Elena, uninterested, tells Victor to leave the apartment before her dealer gets there. Their ensuing argument and struggle draw the attention of policemen Sancho (José Sancho) and David (Javier Bardem). As Elena flees, her gun goes off, paralyzing David. Six years later, Victor gets out of jail and begins having an affair with Sancho's wife, as David and Elena's marriage falls apart.

Cast & Crew

Javier Bardem
David
Francesca Neri
Elena
Liberto Rabal
Víctor Plaza
Ángela Molina
Clara
José Sancho
Sancho
Penélope Cruz
Isabel
Pilar Bardem
Doña Centro de Mesa
Álex Angulo
Conductor del autobús
Pedro Almodóvar
Director
Pedro Almodóvar
Writer
Ray Loriga
Writer
Ruth Rendell
Writer
Agustín Almodóvar
Producer
Alberto Iglesias
Original Music
Affonso Beato
Cinematography
José Salcedo
Film Editing
Katrina Bayonas
Casting
Antxón Gómez
Art Director
Humberto Cornejo
Costume Design
José María De Cossio
Costume Design
Fermín Galán
Hair Stylist
Juan Pedro hernández
Makeup Artist
Patricia Rodríguez
Makeup Assistant
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Critic Reviews for Live Flesh

All Critics (43) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (8)
Full Review… Mike Clark USA Today Full Review… Lisa Schwarzbaum Entertainment Weekly Full Review… Liam Lacey Globe and Mail Full Review… Louis B. Parks Houston Chronicle Full Review… David Denby New York Magazine/Vulture Full Review… Giala Murray Empire Magazine Full Review… Jan Stuart The Advocate Full Review… Ruhaan Shah Film Companion Full Review… Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com Full Review… David Noh Film Journal International Full Review… Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) Full Review… Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid
View All Critic Reviews (43)

Audience Reviews for Live Flesh

  • Jul 18, 2016
    A Spanish melodrama about 5 people's lives being tangled in series of misunderstanding and deceit. I really enjoyed Almodovar's amazing storytelling techniques, the story itself was pretty darn complex too. Francesca Neri shone playing the seductive Elena while the overall ensemble had some strong chemistry. Some may enjoy the melodramatic ending while others may find it too telenovella-like.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Apr 08, 2014
    Finally an incredible film from Almodóvar. Everything up to this point has failed to impress me considering how revered he is. When he can make a film like this I understand why critics like him. This is the first truly great film from Almodóvar.
    Jason 123 D Super Reviewer
  • Dec 04, 2011
    I don't have a lot to say about this movie. It's not one of Almodovar's best, but it's still a pretty damn good movie with some excellent acting. But it's probably not a movie that I'd ever watch again. It's really good, but there's nothing special about it.
    Jesse O Super Reviewer
  • Apr 12, 2011
    Javier Bardem, and Liberto Rabal, are easy on the eyes and make the movie worth watching. It's a mildly interesting story, somewhat predictable, and with its fair share of slow moments. And as is so often the case in Almodovar movies, the intense connection between characters is shown through melodrama...not character development. If you are a fan of Almodovar, you will enjoy this. I, apparently, am not really a fan. I don't think that I have really liked any of his movies too much.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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