After her hiatus, Penelope Cruz is back on the big screen with the Spanish drama movie, "Ma Ma."
The 41-year-old actress, who remains beautiful despite being absent on the big screen for six years, portrays the character of Magda.
In the movie, Cruz plays an unemployed teacher who receives bad news that she has breast cancer. However, in her misery, she finds a "sense of gratitude and strength." The actress said that the main lead exhibits "an example of struggle and a life lesson on how to deal with tragedy."
According to a report by Fox News Latino, the actress said that she read the script one night and fell in love with it instantly. She explained that although the topic of the movie is difficult, it's not a depressing film.
"I read the full script of MA MA in one night, and I fell in love with the story. The topics covered are very difficult, but it is not a depressing film. When the film ends, it makes you want to hug your family and tell them how much you love them. I feel happy because the movie delivers this message," Cruz said.
Aside from being the lead in the film, Cruz is also a producer which marks one of her firsts, Just Jared reported. The movie is directed by Julio Medem with cast members such as Luis Tosar, Asier Etxeandia, Silvia Abascal and Alex Brendemuhl.
Apart from her latest film, the actress will also reportedly star in Asghar Farhadi's film which will be filmed in Spain in October 2016. Farhadi allegedly talked about his admiration to the actress' skills and has spoken about the next film he wants to make.
Cruz also spoke about her interest in being in one of Farhadi's films. Payvand reported that the actress accepted the role without even reading the script because she considers him an excellent director.
Aside from her acting career, Cruz also worked as a model and a guest editor for magazines. The actress once spoke about the difficulty of being considered a "pretty woman" in the industry.
"The most difficult thing in the world is to start a career known only for your looks, and then to try to become a serious actress. No one will take you seriously once you are known as the pretty woman," Cruz said.
Cruz is married to Spanish actor Javier Bardem. The two met in 2007 and decided to tie the knot three years later in 2010 at a friend's home in the Bahamas. The couple were co-stars in her first breakthrough role in the movie "Jamon, Jamon" and were reunited in another film, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." The two share a son, Leonardo, and a daughter, Luna.