All About My Mother

All About My Mother

Year: 2021

Runtime: 120 mins

Language: Chinese

Director: Tianyu Zhao

FamilyDrama

Ji Peizhen (Xu Fan) is the dedicated heart of her family, seemingly managing everything with effortless grace. Beneath the orderly facade of her home, however, lies a more complex reality. While she believes her daughter, Li Xiaomei, is exemplary, Xiaomei’s life in Beijing reveals a different side. Her husband, doctor Li Wengfan, struggles with a past mistake that prevents him from returning to his profession. Just as Ji Peizhen anticipates a peaceful retirement, she receives a devastating diagnosis: cancer, and only four months to live. The family must now grapple with how to navigate life in the face of such a profound loss.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – All About My Mother (2021)

Trace every key event in All About My Mother (2021) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Esteban's death on his 17th birthday

On the night of Esteban's 17th birthday, he is struck and killed by a car after chasing his idol Huma Rojo following a performance of A Streetcar Named Desire. Manuela is devastated by the loss. She makes a life-changing decision: Esteban's heart will be donated to a recipient in A Coruña.

Night of Esteban's 17th birthday Madrid
2

Heart transplant and search for the recipient

Manuela allows Esteban's heart to be transplanted into a man in A Coruña. She tracks down the recipient and confronts the reality of what she has done. She resigns from her hospital job.

Shortly after Esteban's death A Coruña
3

Journey to Barcelona to find Lola

Driven by the need to locate Esteban's other mother, Lola, a transgender woman, Manuela travels to Barcelona. She keeps this mission secret from Esteban and leaves her hospital post behind.

Shortly after the transplant Barcelona
4

Reunions and new ties in Barcelona

In Barcelona, Manuela reconnects with Agrado and grows close to Huma, Nina, and Rosa. She becomes Huma's personal assistant and steps in as Nina's understudy during one of Nina's crises, while also helping Rosa during her pregnancy.

Soon after arriving Barcelona
5

Rosa's pregnancy and the park encounter

Rosa reveals her HIV-positive pregnancy. During a taxi ride, they stop at a park where Rosa spots her father and Sapic, the family dog. Sapic recognizes Rosa, while her father does not.

During their time in Barcelona Barcelona park
6

Rosa dies at birth; Lola reunion

Rosa dies giving birth to a healthy boy. At her funeral, Manuela finally reunites with Lola. The encounter deepens Manuela's sense of family and loss.

Rosa's death and funeral Barcelona
7

Lola's AIDS struggle and Esteban's story

Lola is dying from AIDS and speaks about wanting a son. Manuela tells Lola about Esteban and his fatal accident. The two women confront their shared past.

During Lola's illness Barcelona
8

Adopting Rosa's son

Manuela adopts Rosa's son and cares for him at Rosa's parents' house. The father doesn't recognize her, and Rosa's mother protests the arrangement. Manuela is introduced to the household as the new cook living there with the child.

After Rosa's death Rosa's parents' house
9

Confrontation and return to Madrid

Rosa's mother confronts Manuela about letting strangers see the baby and potential HIV risk. Deciding she cannot stay there any longer, Manuela flees back to Madrid with Esteban.

After the confrontation Madrid
10

A letter of goodbye

Back in Madrid, Manuela writes a letter to Huma and Agrado, apologizing for not saying goodbye years before. The letter marks a quiet, unresolved farewell and sets the stage for what comes next.

After returning to Madrid Madrid
11

Two years later: returning to Barcelona with Esteban

Two years pass and Manuela returns to Barcelona with Esteban, who remains healthy and AIDS-free. She informs Huma and Agrado that she will stay with Esteban's grandparents. The reunion signals a new chapter in their intertwined lives.

Two years later Barcelona
12

AIDS convention reunion and Nina's update

At an AIDS convention in Barcelona, Manuela reunites with Huma and Agrado and explains her decision to stay with Esteban's grandparents. Agrado shares news about Nina: she left Huma, returned to her hometown, married, and now has a son.

Two years later Barcelona

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 10:24

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All About My Mother Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in All About My Mother

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