Pain and Glory (2019) Review: A Spanish Classic

Is Pain and Glory worth watching?

Yes — Pain and Glory remains one of the most celebrated films from Spain, with a 97/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating and enduring audience appeal. On Celluloid it holds a 97/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating, 84% Audience Snapshot, 85 Metascore, 4.1 on Letterboxd, and 7.5 on IMDb — numbers that explain why it still surfaces on every “best of Spain” list.

What is Pain and Glory about?

An aging filmmaker reflects on his childhood, addictions, and lost loves while reconciling with the pain that fed his art. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, the film stars Antonio Banderas, Asier Etxeandia, Penélope Cruz, and remains a reference point for Drama filmmaking from Spain.

Should you watch Pain and Glory?

Yes, without hesitation — Pain and Glory rewards viewers who want more than algorithm-friendly new releases. At 113 minutes, it more than earns its running time — and the critics’ consensus still resonates today: Almodóvar’s most autobiographical work is reflective, sensual, and quietly devastating.

Where can I watch Pain and Glory?

Streaming availability varies by region — check major platforms in your country or local cinemas for revival screenings. Pain and Glory (2019) is widely indexed on IMDb (tt6763664) and remains one of the most searched classic titles from Spain on CelluloidScore.com.