Pedro Almodóvar masterfully directed this involving, multi-plotted (and at times surreal) portrait of three generations of resourceful Spanish women dealing with life's ups and downs. Penélope Cruz gives a bravura performance as a resilient housewife and was rewarded with a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Carmen Maura, Lola Dueñas, Blanca Portillo, Chus Lampreave, Yohana Cobo, Carlos Blanco, Isabel Díaz.