Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Seen it?1988 | 88 min | Comedy, Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 21 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 28 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
After being dumped by her lover, Pepa finds her life and the lives of those around her spiraling out of control in a deliciously chaotic series of events.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$15 million worldwide on a $700K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 92K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
- Carmen MauraPepa
- Antonio BanderasCarlos
- Julieta SerranoLucía
- María BarrancoCandela
- Rossy de PalmaMarisa
- Kiti MánverPaulina Morales
- Guillermo MontesinosTaxi Driver
- Chus LampreaveJehovah's Witness Goalkeeper
- Eduardo CalvoLucía's Father
- Loles LeónSecretary