MADRID: Oscar-winning actress Penelope Cruz returns to Spanish cinema after a nearly six-year absence, playing the role of a woman fighting breast cancer in director Julio Medem’s “Ma Ma” which opens on Friday in Spain.

“This is one of the most wonderful characters that I will ever be offered to play,” the 41-year-old actress said during an interview with radio Cadena Ser on Wednesday ahead of the film’s release.

“I fell in love with the story of this woman ...,” Cruz said, before adding that at first the role “frightened” her. The Spanish actress plays Magda in the movie, a gutsy unemployed teacher with a young son who faces her cancer diagnosis with optimism and courage.

“It was very important to me to take risks and at no time did I worry if I looked beautiful, was ugly or very ugly,” said Cruz.