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Pedro Almodovar's challenging films shouldn't be only for his dedicated fans: nobody mixes genuine human compassion with world-class filmmaking as well as he ... while maintaining a marvelous sense of humor, of human proportion. This 1999 effort is perhaps Pedro’s strongest drama, and yet another heartfelt endorsement of womankind.

The film opens in Madrid, where Esteban (Eloy Azorin) is about to celebrate his 17th birthday. On the cusp of adulthood, Esteban is blossoming into an accomplished writer, and he jots down in his journal that he wishes his mother, Manuela (Cecilia Roth), would tell him the story of his father, whom he has never met. After Esteban makes his feelings known to her, Manuela promises to tell him, but tragedy strikes before she has an opportunity. While running after a taxi to get the autograph of a star he admires, Esteban is struck and killed by a car. A grieving Manuela then decides to travel from Madrid to Barcelona, where Esteban was conceived, to find her ex-husband and inform him that the son he never knew about is dead.

Director: Pedro Almodovar
Cast: Cecilia Roth, Marisa Paredes, Candela Pena, Penelope Cruz
Country: Spain, France
Genre: Drama

BD50 | 1080p AVC | 01:41:39 | 46.1 Gb + 3% rec
Language: Spanish
Subtitles: English

Extras:

• Once Upon a Time: "All About My Mother" - this archival documentary focuses on the production history and success of All About My Mother. Included in it are clips from interviews with Pedro Almodovar; actors Cecilia Roth, Penelope Cruz, and Marisa Paredes; production manager Esther Garcia; and author Didier Eribon; amongst others. The documentary was produced in 2012. In English and Spanish, with optional English subtitles where necessary. (53, 1080i).

• Informe Semanal: "All About Almodovar" - in this archival Spanish TV program, Pedro Almodovar returns home to the small town of Calzada de Calatrava with his mother, Francisca Caballero, to discuss her influence on his life and work. The program also includes clips from interviews with various actors that have worked with the Spanish director. The program was created in 1999. In Spanish, with optional English subtitles. (14 min, 10890p).

• Version Espanola: "All About My Mother" - presented here is a Q&A session with Pedro Almodovar, producer Agustin Almodovar, and actor Marisa Paredes, which was filmed after a screening of All About My Mother at the Filmoteca espanola's Cine Dore in Madrid in 2019. In Spanish, with optional English subtitles. (49 min, 1080p).