Ma ma (12A)

Drama

In the aftermath of a tragedy a woman, Magda, reacts with a surge of newfound life that engulfs her circle of family and friends.

The critical consensus

Penélope Cruz rises above Julio Medem’s shameless tear-jerker.

(*) (*) (*) Demetrios Matheou, The List, 20/06/2016

The film is absurdly corny and features its share of toe-curling moments (the gynaecologist who bursts into song, Magda’s visions of a little Siberian orphan girl walking through the snow) but Cruz gives a big-hearted performance in a very demanding role.

(*) (*) Geoffrey MacNab, The Independent, 22/06/2016

Cruz’s superb performance elevates this lovely if sometimes flawed drama about family, friendship and illness.

(*) Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, 23/06/2016

Definitely one for uncritical, incurable romantics.

(*) (*) (*) Allan Hunter, Daily Express, 24/06/2016

Even Penélope Cruz’s charisma can’t save this crass tear-jerker.

(*) (*) (*) Wendy Ide, The Observer, 26/06/2016