pain & glory (2019)

Original Title: Dolor y Gloria

A GLORY WORTH THE PAIN

The word masterpiece is thrown around too often in the world of cinema. This word should be reserved only for films that exceed all expectations. Films that push boundaries. Films that draw you in from the very first minute and don’t let go until the final credits roll. These types of films are rare to come by, but fortunately, we have been blessed with one that ticks every single box on the masterpiece checklist and that film is Pedro Almodóvar’s Pain and Glory.

A tale through time, Pain and Glory focuses on the life of Salvador Mallo (Antonio Banderas), a film director who is basically in his retirement years living rather comfortably off his accumulated money from a somewhat successful career. However, this cozy lifestyle comes with its fair share of baggage as Salvador lives in a world of depression fuelled by a number of physical disheartening conditions such as body aches and a tendency to choke on solid foods as well as the emotional effect of some past memories which are shown in flashback sequences.

Pain and Glory is a severely personal and incredibly moving film that is captivating, engaging, and absolutely breathtaking. Knowing that this is an autobiographical film for Almodóvar makes it so much more heartfelt and sincere and Banderas does a tremendous job in bringing all the emotions to life. His performance is truly remarkable, he shines in every scene he is in. Each and every word or facial expression is delivered with pure genuineness that sweeps you up and never lets you go. The other performances are just as good as well. Asier Etxeandia is tremendously animated in his role as long-lost friend Alberto Crespo, he’s an absolute joy to watch and provides comic relief where needed. Penelope Cruz, as always, is beautifully tender as Salvador’s mother in the flashback scenes. She manages to create a great sense of warmth that is truly comforting, it’s a performance that you feel rather than watch. Finally, it’s worth mentioning Asier Flores’ performance as a young Salvador. It’s always hit or miss when it comes to child performances however, Asier succeeds exceptionally with his incredibly heart-warming and tender display.

On to director Pedro Almodóvar, who is at the top of his game here, producing what is quite possibly his best film in over a decade. His delicate and poignant script leaves you completely captivated and engrossed in the story; you can’t help but latch onto every word that is spoken. The patient pacing works an absolute treat here and perfectly brings the emotions of pain, sadness, regret, self-discovery, and forgiveness to life. As we’ve come to expect, Almodóvar throws in a few twists and turns which ends up providing us with one of the best endings of 2019. Also, let’s not forget about his trademark colour palette which is as vibrant and visually appealing as ever.

Pain & Glory is a melancholy masterpiece from one of Europe’s finest directors. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh as well as bring you to tears but also acts as a shoulder to cry on. An intimate, absorbing & meditative cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Simply brilliant.

★★★★★

8 JUNE 2019