Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
WONDERFUL PERFORMANCES FOR A TWISTED PLOT., Aug 14 2000
This review is from: All About My Mother (Widescreen) (DVD)
Another excellent masterpiece by the one an only Almodovar, this film is quite darker than his previous movies. However, the twisted plot is there as always, as well as the unexpected ending and wonderful acting. Cecilia Roth does a great performance as the dramatic Manuela, who loses her only son to a car accident while chasing after the theater star "Huma Rojo", played by Marisa Paredes, whose glamour and beauty make her ideal for this role. However, the real star is Antonia San Juan, who literally steals the show whenever she is on screen. Her character lightens up the somewhat sad story with her witty remarks and "perverse" naivete. Also Penelope Cruz makes a great performance of "Rosa", a nun who gets pregnant by another prostitute who happens to also be the father of Manuela's child. However, the fact of her wanting to travel to El Salvador to help in the war is quite inaccurate, as the war in that country has been over for ten years now, unless the story was supposed to take place in the 80's but who knows, they never clarify that. Overall, it's a great movie and a "must see", not suitable for the closed minded, though.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible, Mar 15 2004
This review is from: All About My Mother (Widescreen) (DVD)
Probably my favourite film of all time! Almodovar does it every time without fail. He creates stories using characters that would be unsympathetically portrayed by other directors, yet he creates empathy within you even for the most screwed up them. In this story, dealing with the love a mother has for her son, and her tragic loss when he dies, you meet prostitutes, transsexuals, transvestites and nuns with HIV! Sounds ridiculous, but the director is a genius. It's worth noting that this film won an Oscar for Best International Movie. A truly moving, emotional, funny and thought provoking story, with colourful characters and told with genuine warmth. I defy anyone not to be moved...
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite Almodovar film, April 6 2011
My favorite Almodovar film to this date. He finally combines the best of his older, absurdist films, with his new found maturity and real emotion that began to emerge in 'Flower of My Secret' and 'Live Flesh'. A woman's son dies, while trying to get an autograph from a great actress, leaving his mother bereft, and trying to start a new life. I won't give away any details, but her journey is both funny and tragic, and leads to some terrifically unexpected and sometimes ironic places. Full of odd and wonderful characters, and some very strong acting. A bit cute or 'forced' in a few moments, but overall a moving, special and wonderful film. If you don't know Almodovar's work, this is an excellent place to start.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|