Ma ma

This movie may make you lachrymose but it is not a melodrama.. the protagonist is battling with a terminal cancer... she still finds love and tries to live her life to the fullest.. Penelope Cruz justifies the role of a young divorced mother of a 10 year old completely ..she dominates.. .blue rooms with white furniture creates a subtlety and tones down the emotions...

This film is not in the category of entertainment. It transports the viewer into experiencing a degree of pain, of emotional suffering, embodied by Penelope Cruz, that is unique in my movie going experience.

The review here "Real Magical Realism" is by a woman who experienced the same suffering when her own mother was afflicted with a disease similar to the one in this movie.

This film, moving and brilliant with no comparisons, transcends the genre of movies, so may not connect with many, but it will be so much more for others. It was filmed on a standard that is not compatible to US disk players, so it's only on Amazon, where it can be rented or purchased.

It is for those who have known emotional suffering and managed to transform the pain into an incentive to enrich other's lives.

This is cinematography in the service not of entertainment, but of the challenges, of profound pain, being subordinated to genuine love of a child, a lover and a friend.

The struggle of life and the struggle for life last until the last breath.

It bears mentioning that there are many critics and viewers alike who have criticized the film for being melodramatic and maudlin. I would counter that in fact the film is realistic. If you have had the misfortune of being impacted by cancer let alone an advanced stage cancer or if you have lost a loved one to cancer, then you very well know, the whole thing is a tragedy and it's sad and sentimental. This desire to remove the elements of humanity that we find it taboo to express is stupid and counterproductive. Cancer is sad and it's tragic and there are infinite ways to convey this but this film is no more sentimental or tragic than dying from or losing someone you love from cancer. You want a dry unsentimental look at cancer? Head on over to WebMd. You want an honest portrayal of a woman who has to come to terms with her mortality? Press play.

This movie is filled with a lot of emotions, and being Spanish they even managed to throw in a little Soccer lol.

The acting was incredible, from Penelope, to her supporting cast, to the child actors. I enjoyed the way the movie took us away at times to an almost dream like state.

The comic relief was on the ball. Based on the topic at hand this was obviously not a comedy, but as in real life from time to time laughter is the best medicine. I gave the movie 8 stars but I think that most people who are movie aficionados will give it a higher ranking. I have a feeling that this one might get an Oscar nod, lets see how that turns out.

I especially liked the few twists and turns it had. It jeeps you paying attention and on your toes right up to the last scene in the movie.

Make sure to see it and make sure to most post your thoughts.