That’s the tagline to “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”, the new Woody Allen film now in theaters, albeit in limited release. And no one better than Mr. Allen can turn a film about a love triangle, with an added passionate (read: slightly insane) ex-wife thrown in, into a work of art. In all other instances, with most directors, the subject would risk being tacky, raunchy and downright uncomfortable. But this film is funny, charming and somehow manages to convey to the audience the feeling that this odd group of people is actually together as a family, of sorts.

Of course, the film’s now infamous kiss has gotten a lot of attention. Mr. Allen himself has been playing it cool in interviews and red-carpet introductions. But you know he must be smiling a big boy smile inside, at all the media buzz around the particularly candid and tasteful scene. Somehow, I was sold on the idea that this group of misfits and misdirected souls had found a family connection in one another. It’s a concept that is dear to my heart, finding in friends and lovers a nucleus that replaces the sometimes unavailable blood relatives we get at birth, ready-made.

On the fashion front, be prepared to be wowed by Penélope Cruz’s sexy, vintage whites and amazing hair. The totally American chic looks of Rebecca Hall, who plays Vicky, and Scarlett Johansson’s Cristina are also appropriately simple and muted, while Javier Bardem smolders and captures hearts in his easy linens and Converse sneakers. It’s an all around feast for the eyes!

The film will have you rethink some of your own – perhaps antiquated – notions of what a good relationship is… but it will also make you yearn for a summer surrounded by Gaudí and Miró in Barcelona, drinking fabulous Spanish wines, eating tapas at the local joints, while listening to Flamenco guitar. The good news is that the soundtrack to the film is available on ITunes, and it absolutely rocks, from the title song “Barcelona” sung by Giulia y Los Tellarini, to the guitar prowess of Flamenco great Paco de Lucía. 

This is definitely Woody Allen at his very best: funny, charming, thought-provoking and visually stunning. Make this movie the film of your weekend, and then hit your local flea markets for some of Ms. Cruz’s sexy whites!

Video courtesy of the Associated Press, photo courtesy of Mediapro