Pain and Glory

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: October 4, 2019

8.0	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 131 Ratings

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Mauro_LanariOct 5, 2019

(Mauro Lanari)
In the category of self-referential, self-analytical and autobiographical art, I consider more interesting the comparison with other authors than those I found mentioned in the reviews at "Dolor y gloria". I didn't perceive it(Mauro Lanari)
In the category of self-referential, self-analytical and autobiographical art, I consider more interesting the comparison with other authors than those I found mentioned in the reviews at "Dolor y gloria". I didn't perceive it as an accomplished film, I didn't get the impression that Almodóvar wanted or knew how to transfigure his very personal material. The beginning with the chapters "geography" and above all "anatomy", an animated list of the various ailments of health, promised a form of Trierian reworking, powerfully ingenious, sarcastic to the limit of autoparody, but they are not color tones that belong to Pedro's palette. Another notorious director for the tormented quest to extend his own navel to the human condition is Moretti, and his best film is that "Caro diario" (1993) in which he has bound himself to a classical structure like the Wolffian one (the same present also in "Antichrist", 2009). Here instead we are close to a stream of consciousness, liberating and cathartic more for those who express it than for those who receive it. In other words, I have some difficulty in identifying myself with this type of report of an eccentrically trivial life, too subjective and too little objective.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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netflicOct 15, 2019

This is the latest movie from a famous Spanish director Pedro Almadovar.
Disclaimer: I never liked his movies in the past but I keep trying.
This film is semi-autobiographical. I have a feeling that type of movies becomes a fashion. LastThis is the latest movie from a famous Spanish director Pedro Almadovar.
Disclaimer: I never liked his movies in the past but I keep trying.

This film is semi-autobiographical. I have a feeling that type of movies becomes a fashion. Last year it was Cuaron's "Roma", this year it's Almadovar's turn.

This movie has everything: great actors (Antonio Benderas, Penelope Cruz to name just a few), excellent sound track, pleasant cinematography.

But I never felt any empathy toward any character in the film. For the most part of it I was bored. I respect the craftsmanship but I did not enjoy it much.

If you liked Almadovar's movies in the past, you will most likely enjoy this one as well.
But it is definitely not my piece of cake. Consistently...… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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Brent_MarchantOct 12, 2019

Despite a number of touching moments, fine performances by Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, some inventive cinematography, and a captivating soundtrack, this introspective character study never quite gels into a cohesive whole, feelingDespite a number of touching moments, fine performances by Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz, some inventive cinematography, and a captivating soundtrack, this introspective character study never quite gels into a cohesive whole, feeling more like a series of random, mostly unrelated reflections than a fully finished and definitive work. Loosely based on the life of director Pedro Almodovar, this semi-autobiographical story about a filmmaker looking back on his life feels like it's going toward a destination at which it never quite arrives, despite a clever ending that provides a last-minute refreshing perspective on the work overall. I was disappointed, though, that the picture never quite led anywhere more meaningful or profound, despite a fervent hope that it would eventually do so. Fans of Almodovar's work will undoubtedly relish this love letter to his art and his audience (and some would say himself), but less ardent viewers of his films are likely to end up, as I have, seeing it as a generally inoffensive though ultimately lacking exercise. I'd be going too far if I were to call it self-indulgent, but there does seem to be a self-congratulatory element to it that overrides most anything else the film is trying to say.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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JordanLaytonApr 28, 2020

This is a Spanish autobiographical film about the director's life. Unfortunately, I was not impressed or compelled with the director's life story. I've been told it becomes more meaningful if you're familiar with his other work, but I think aThis is a Spanish autobiographical film about the director's life. Unfortunately, I was not impressed or compelled with the director's life story. I've been told it becomes more meaningful if you're familiar with his other work, but I think a film should stand on its own feet and this one does not. A LOT could have been cut out as well which really made this an un-enjoyable slog to get through. Antonio Banderas's performance is the only aspect of this film keeping it out of the gutter for me. He is simultaneously and subtly brave as well as cowardly depending on the perspective you take. Its a bit meta at times in a tasteful way, but there's just not enough here to chew on in terms of character or even film making overall.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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