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Poster for The Milk of Sorrow

The Milk of Sorrow

Seen it?

2009 | 94 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (78% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz and a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 34 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Fausta is suffering from a rare disease called the Milk of Sorrow, which is transmitted through the breast milk of pregnant women who were abused or raped during or soon after pregnancy. While living in constant fear and confusion due to this disease, she must face the sudden death of her mother. She chooses to take drastic measures to not follow in her mother's footsteps.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    78% on Rotten Tomatoes, 68 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.3 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Berlin award: Golden Bear. Also nominated for 1 Oscar. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $2 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 15K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Claudia Llosa

  • Magaly SolierFausta
  • Susi SánchezAída
  • Efraín SolísNoé
  • Marino BallónTío Lúcido
  • Daniel Nuñez Duran