All About My Mother - 1999

Movie #110

5 stars

An Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film, writer-director Pedro Almodovar's compassionate tribute to women examines the life of Manuela (Cecilia Roth), who leaves Madrid for Barcelona shortly after she witnesses her son's accidental death. Once there, she reunites with an old friend (Antonia San Juan), a pre-op transsexual prostitute, and forms a fast but enduring friendship with a pregnant nun (Penelope Cruz).

Cast: Cecilia Roth, Marisa Paredes, Candela Peña, Antonia San Juan, Penélope Cruz, Eloy Azorín

Director: Pedro Almodóvar

Spanish, subtitled. Filmed in Barcelona and Madrid (so pretty)


Everything about this movie was awesome!...the acting, the storyline, the scenery, the colors...everything! This movie tackles many issues that movies now don't even tackle...and this was 10 years ago! Agrado (the transsexual prostitute) offers a lot of the comic relief but the character also has a very important monologue scene.

Penelope Cruz seems soo young! She did a fabulous job. I also liked all of the colors (see the umbrella below). Even on a dark, rainy night Almodovar finds a way to throw in some color.
















Trivia (courtesy of imdb):
Agrado's monologue was based on a real life event. When the electronic system of an Argentinian theater failed, the director suspended the show. Actress Lola Membrives decided to give the news to the audience and make them an offer: if they'd stay, they could listen to the narration of her life.

Favorite Quote:
Agrado: Well, as I was saying, it costs a lot to be authentic, ma'am. And one can't be stingy with these things because you are more authentic the more you resemble what you've dreamed of being.


Overall Recommendation: What are you waiting for? WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!