Director: Pedro Almovodar

Cast: Cecilia Roth, Penelope Cruz

Spanish filmmaker Almodóvar is famed for exploring outcast relationships and the real meaning of family. This acclaimed film spins around the curiosities of unorthodox familial life framed by a series of sudden crises faced by Manuela and her circle. Manuela is a single mother who has raised her son Esteban by herself.  At 17 Esteban wants only to discover the identity of his father, which has been carefully hidden by Manuela. Almovodar offers a dramatic yet comic, sometimes bawdy tapestry of sisterhood, searching hearts, and people crossing the gender divide.  It is  poignant film brimming with sincerity and compassion which is no small triumph considering two of its main characters are transvestite hookers, another is a pregnant nun, and two more are battling lesbians. And all ironically express family values.

Oscar: Best Foreign Language Film
Cannes Festival: Best Film