Pain and Glory: A-

In Almodovar’s latest film, the director self-examines a takes a look at his past: His childhood, a lost love, reconciling with an actor, and mounting health issues are at the forefront of this film. The colorful imagery and set designs that Almodovar is known for are still there, but they take a more nuanced approach in the story. Antonio Banderas’ performance is a career best and is full of sentimentality and a sort of lonely nostalgia. The flashbacks of his childhood are edited very well and flow seamlessly with the present, commenting on how the past seeps into the present.

Blake Johnson, Guest Contributor