Review of Pain and Glory (2019) by Notor12 — 08 Feb 2020

I am going to go out on a limb and say this is actually Pedro Almodovar's best film. Possibly one of the best films I have ever seen.

Why is it his best? Because it captures in its simplicity and bareness the sublime beauty of life as can only be viewed through the veil of the pain and suffering we must all endure to be able to experience that beauty at all. The film finds meaning in suffering in a believable fashion.

I believe that there is no higher form of art than to speak to this simple personal truth which connects us all through the sincerity of one's own experience. And this film does speak truthfully and humbly to that very personal struggle each of us undertakes to find meaning. To the losses and the hurt but also the subtle joys in the trials and tribulations of life. And not only do we have important questions here, but important answers. Pedro Almodovar's story is not unique or special or different in any important way from many others that have been told, but it is astoundingly honest and simple and that is what makes this film so starkly beautiful.

Bad Education dealt with childhood trauma and the consequences from repressed sexuality and internalized homophobia. Many will cite that film as Almodovar's best....But this film felt so much more universal, wisened by age, and true to me.

I have rarely been so emotionally affected by a film. Pain and Glory indeed; that is all that life is and nothing more.