Our take
A lot of things steal your attention in All About My Mother, Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s ode to women. There are the colorful characters, which include a transgender sex worker, a pregnant nun, and a red-haired theater diva. There are the vibrant primary colors, the jokes that catch you off-guard, and the powerful dramatic performances. It could’ve easily been a mess, but Almodóvar—in a way that only he can—makes everything coexist beautifully. The dramedy is just as much about mothers as it is about homosexuality, found families, grief, and love. Although it’s in Spanish, it conveys impactful, universal themes. It’s no surprise that it swept awards around the world, including the Oscars, Goya, and the Golden Globes.
What it won
Oscars
1 win
Cannes
2 wins
Golden Globes
1 win
BAFTA
4 wins · 2 noms
Spirit Awards
1 nom
Nat. Board of Review
2 wins
NYFCC
1 win
LAFCA
1 win
European Film Awards
3 wins
César Awards
1 win
Goya Awards
7 wins · 7 noms
The story
Following the tragic death of her teenage son, Manuela travels from Madrid to Barcelona in an attempt to contact the long-estranged father the boy never knew. She reunites with an old friend, an outspoken transgender sex worker, and befriends a troubled actress and a pregnant, HIV-positive nun.
Elsewhere
"This is Almodvar's best film in a long while."
— Peter Rainer
"Almodvar's talent has always been acknowledged as unique, but All about My Mother demonstrates how great it is as well."
— José Arroyo
After a tragic loss, Manuela (Cecilia Roth) leaves Madrid for Barcelona in search of the father of her son. Along the way, she meets old friends and new ones, seeks out closure, and rediscovers what it means to be a mother.
How reaffirming to know that a movie led by women (transwomen and lesbians at that) was a critical and commercial success in 1999.
A visual and emotional feast, a celebration of womanhood in all ways.
The details
Who picked it
Renee Cuisia is the lead curator at A Good Movie to Watch. In her spare time, she likes to watch K-dramas and analyze them to death. She's also seen You've Got Mail one too many times but is still convinced it's one of the greatest films out there.
