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Summary: A Great Spanish Film and Director Steal Americans' Hearts
Review: I do not have this exact version of the movie, but the original Spanish one ("Todo Sobre Mi Madre") that I bought in Spain. However, they are probably a lot alike and the Spanish version isn't listed on Amazon so I will review this one anyway. :) This movie is fantastic. Pedro Almovadar is in my opinion one of the best directors in the world. I was so glad when he won the award for best foreign film, because he totally deserves it, if only on the basis of this film if not for his other ones. The movie is extremely well-directed and well-acted. It shows the many different angles and perspectives on life, and has many deep implications. It is intensely sad and moving, and I guarantee that you will think a lot about it for a long time after you watch it. The plot is captivating and complex, so you will want to own the DVD and watch it more than once. The film also has great actors, starring the Spanish beauties Cecilia Roth and Penelope Cruz (who is now crossing over to Hollywood with her new movie, Woman on Top). I am glad that Pedro Almovadar's popularity has caught on in the States, for this is a director worthy of praise from all film lovers, and his talent surpasses that of many American directors. This is my favorite Spanish film (and there are a lot of good, if hard to find, ones out there), and one of my favorite films in any category. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a refreshingly unique and complex look at life and who wants to see many different aspects of it successfully explored on film.
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Summary: Almodovar Ascending
Review: The release of director Pedro Almodovar's "Live Flesh" saw the emergence of a more mature, confident side of his creativity. With "All About My Mother," it can now be said with certainty that his previous effort was no fluke. The entire cast, though particularly Cecilia Roth, perfectly embody the characters they play. From the opening scene to the last, one freely ventures on the journey Roth takes in giving meaning to her life after tragedy. Perhaps the melodramtic elements that are present come to the fore in a way that's a little too noticeable at times, but this relatively minor quibble in no way detracts from the pleasure found in viewing the film.
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Summary: Reading Subtitles
Review: I've never watched a foreign film before. It was difficult on my little portable DVD player to read the subtitles, but I loved the movie! Worth it!
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Summary: 'Mother' marks Almodovar's masterpiece
Review: Spanish maverick Pedro Almodovar isn't known for his subtlety or maturity, yet both traits find their place among his usual shenanigans in "All About My Mother," a celebration of femininity and maternalcy. After her teenage son is killed right in front of her, the luminous Cecelia Roth makes her way through Spain, struggling for a reason to keep on going. She finds more than one, as Almodovar plunges head first into the mammoth movie mysteries of understanding a woman.
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Summary: this film is unbelievable!
Review: Oh! This film is so moving! It had me on pins and needles the whole time I was watching. The performances are perfect; there are no weak links. This film should have been up for best picture rather than best foreign. "American Beauty" was a wonderful film, but this was better by far. It actually hurt to watch parts of the film, in fact, it took my breath away. That is what a truly fine film can do. I hope this film moves you as well.
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Summary: Great Foreign Film
Review: I have a love hate relationship with foreign films. I either love them or hate them. This is one pf the best movies I have seen in along time. Too many americans are afraid to try something they know nothing about. This movie "thinks out side the box." There is a surprise at every turn. The next time your are at the video store pick this one up. I bet it will be on the shelf. America open your mind.
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Summary: Complex and unconventional, but a great film.
Review: Pedro Almodovar has a tendency to take the bizarre and make his audience identify with it. The main characters of this film are transsexual prostitutes, a drug-addled lesbian actress and her older lover, and a single mother who is seeking to find the whereabouts of her dead son's father (who is one of the above!). The pretenses are way out there, but the story is neatly tied together at the end. Almodovar, who is known for other films with strange subject matter, does not disappoint. The acting is superb, and the comic moments are plentiful. Watch for "La Agrado" - she's a trip, a la Hank Azaria in The Birdcage. I highly recommend the DVD, with an English interview with the writer/director.
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Summary: Controversial but still still lukewarm
Review: Written and directed by Pedro Almodovar, this Spanish film is a comedy-drama which pushes the envelope on controversial themes and introduces some memorable characters.All of the roles are excellent and the acting is outstanding. And I can understand why it has been nominated as one of the best foreign films of 1999. However, in spite of my appreciation for it as an art form, I just couldn't get into it. I didn't feel an emotional tug and found myself bored and looking at my watch during its 105 minutes on the screen. To me, it was merely a soap opera even though the characters were outrageous. I know that many people will enjoy this movie, but I can only give it a lukewarm recommendation.
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Summary: Wonderfully, Almodovar!
Review: A shocking, passionate, and at times funny story from Barcelona. Cecilia Roth and Marisa Paredes are each dynamic. Having seen Women on the verge......and Tie me up, Tie me down, this is my favorite to date. The story of a women's loss of her 17 year old son brings you into her somewhat dark past. What you will discover is not what you might expect. This is such a moving piece, it pulls you right in. A typical triumphant work of art by Pedro Almodovar.I highly recommend you run to rent or own.
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Summary: Mami Dearest
Review: I never watch film with subtitles for the obivous annoying reasons but something drew me to this film and I am thankful for the wonderful experience. This film was visually rich and stylish, complex and wonderfully acted. It was a character study about motherhood and womanhood and all the delicacies, heart aches and confusion inbetween. I'm not sure what Almodovar's obsession is with drag queens but he's sprinkled a few around to add to the mix yet it suffers in the film, making it feel to slapstick at times. But that's it's only fall. Otherwise its a gripping beautifully toned story about the love of our mothers and the pain of their journeys.
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