 Here the plot does handstands in its eagerness to use coincidence, surprise and melodrama.But the characters have a weight and reality, as if Almodóvar has finally taken pity on them – has seen that although their plights may seem ludicrous, they are real enough to hurt".Bob Graham of the "San Francisco Chronicle" said, "No one else makes movies like this Spanish director" and added, "In other hands, these characters might be candidates for confessions – and brawls – on "The Jerry Springer Show", but here they are handled with utmost sympathy.