Ma ma

"Magda" (Penélope Cruz) is separated from the father of their son "Dani" (Teo Planell) and has just lost her seasonal teaching job as she continues to juggle the responsibilities of parenting and living. Then a bombshell arrives in the form of breast cancer and her world is turned upside down. Fortunately, though, she encounters "Arturo" (Luis Tosar) at one of her son's less successful football matches and it turns out he's not only an interested scout, but is also facing cancer-related issues of his own. Gradually they bond and she has a mastectomy but despite the best efforts of her doctor (Asier Etxeandia) it metastasises and just as they celebrate her pregnancy, they have to face a prognosis that both they and the young "Dani" have to come to terms with. It's the latter stages of the film that once again confirms Cruz as a versatile and emotive actor. She portrays a woman who, despite her own ghastly predicament, is determined that her young lad will continue to enjoy a loving and stable family life, that he will never feel jealous of the new arrival and given the now inevitable denouement, she carries that off without becoming sentimental or gloopy. Teo Planell also delivers strongly too and director Julio Medem resists any temptation to turn this into a melodrama, but rather lets three actors play this out in a poignant, sometimes also quite lightly comedic fashion. In the end, this topic has hit the screens often enough before, but there is something touching and real about this film that's worth a watch.

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.

Not quite sure about the negative reviews completely tearing this one up as "unrealistic"... You all can't stand the idea of someone going through a disease without watching them in total misery? Not everyone's experience is the same, this was such a beautiful story to me. Never once did I think, "Wow, this is what all cancer patients must go through". My mother went through cancer as well. And no, I don't wish to see every portrayal of it with the protagonist suffering 24/7. Penelope Cruz is excellent, I loved this.

Boo hoo hoo right from the start until the very last scene,this is a tearjerker that gives your tears no respite. Even bald, Penelope Cruz is stunningly beautiful and only gets more beautiful not to mention more saintlike as she nears death. I just want to know one thing -- where can I find a singing doctor? They barely even talk to me. And what about one that comes to visit me at the sea shore and performs a medical exam in the water! Did he swipe the medicare card for all of this? Still, the movie was watchable even if you had to scold yourself for falling for this relentless bathos. Now that it is over, gotta question myself.

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