‘Pain and Glory’ Review – Beautifully Introspective

How many of us let short term limitations be our excuse not to move forward? How many of us experienced pain from a great love and it crippled us emotionally? Probably more of us than are willing to admit to either one. Pain and Glory not only dives into these themes but many more.  The film is written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar is a fictional reflection of the director’s own life. It unfolds in such a reminiscent way that it feels as if it’s the end of a career and yet the birth of a second wind. The physical pain felt by the main character is only secondary to his emotional turmoil. Now I’m not going to sit and posture as if I am super familiar with the director’s work, because I’d be lying. However, if his body of work is anything like this film then I have a movie night that I need to plan. It’s emotionally curious, thought-provoking, and beautiful which makes it a must-see film. Having said that, if you’re not a fan of subtitles then you may not favor this film as it is entirely in Spanish. This is a film should garner admiration and respect, it has both from me.

Plot & Pace

The film is in a constant state of recall. The flashbacks are neither pointless or a hindrance but are a necessary part of the plot. We are given two stories, the life he is living and the life he lived. Both are intertwined to give us a delightful tale of two people that live inside one man. We are presented with a strong-willed, determined shining light and a feeble, artful shut-in. The story moves along wonderfully with twists and turns that only compound the complexities of Salvador’s life and add meaning. Not only does it examine the existential crisis of its main character but it implores you to do the same. When you feel like you’ve reached your peak, what do you do? When you know what you’re capable of, have you done enough? When your body isn’t as youthful as your mind feels, can you overcome? Can you accept your failures and shortcomings and take responsibility for your role in them? These are just a few questions that are explored throughout the film. As well as, the realization that we are only as alone as we want to be. One of the scariest things a human can do is to expose their full self, flaws and all and calmly ask for forgiveness and to accept them for who they are. If one is able to do so, great things will happen and life is as glorious as ever; at least in this story. As Will Smith said, “…The best things in life are on the other side of terror.” This film is as beautiful as it is introspective; Pain and Glory is such a perfect title.

Characters & Chemistry

Salvador Mallo (Antonio Banderas) is such a layered character and I can’t imagine anyone but Banderas playing him. To watch his rise and downward spiral was very human yet but also terrifying. Alberto Crespo (Asier Etxeandia) is very interesting as a character. He’s a gift and a curse, like a devil and an angel on your shoulder mixed together. Everything starts to come together once Federico Delgado (Leonardo Sbararglia) makes his appearance. The chemistry between him and Salvador reawakens the passion that Salvador had longed for. Young Salvador is played by Asier Flores and he exudes the drive and light that propels his future self into success as a film director. Young Salvador’s life is changed when he encounters Eduardo ( Cesar Vicente) whom he teaches. Mercedes (Nora Navas) puts Salvador above all and seems to care about him more than he cares for himself. Lastly, we have Jacinta (Penelope Cruz) the mother, who embodies women of 60s, no-nonsense. Doing whatever it takes to keep her family afloat and making a cave feel like home.

Pain and Glory released in select theaters on October 4th.

Runtime: 113 minutes

Rating

4.5 out of 5
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