Things That Make Living Worthwhile
# Things That Make Living Worthwhile

Things That Make Living Worthwhile (Spanish: Cosas que hacen que la vida valga la pena) is a 2004 Spanish romantic comedy-drama film directed by Manuel Gómez Pereira, starring Ana Belén and Eduard Fernández.

## Plot

The plot features the relationship between Hortensia, a divorced woman working as a civil officer at the INEM, and Jorge, an also divorced unemployed man and recovering alcoholic.

## Cast

* Ana Belén as Hortensia
* Eduard Fernández as Jorge
* María Pujalte as Ángeles
* José Sacristán as Juan
* Rosario Pardo [es] as América
* Zoe Berriatúa [es] as Estudiante de la autoescuela
* Carlos Wu as Chen
* Carmen Balagué as Farmacéutica
* Raúl Arévalo as Vendedor
* Fernando Colomo
* Carlos Kaniowsky

## Production

The film was directed by Manuel Gómez Pereira whereas the screenplay was penned by Joaquín Oristrell, Yolanda García Serrano, Carlos Molinero [es] and Luis Piedrahita. It was produced by BocaBoca Producciones with the participation of TVE and Canal+.

## Release

The film screened at the 7th Málaga Spanish Film Festival (FMCE) in 2004. Distributed by Columbia Tristar Spain, the film was theatrically released in Spain on 26 November 2004.

## Reception

Jonathan Holland of Variety deemed the film be "an enjoyable, adult-oriented comedy romancer beefed up by a thought-provoking darker side".

Mirito Torreiro of Fotogramas gave it 4 out of 5 stars highlighting the chemistry between the leads to be the best about the film.

## Accolades

| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| 2004 | 7th Málaga Spanish Film Festival | Public Choice Award | Public Choice Award | Won |
| 2005 | 19th Goya Awards | Best Actor | Eduard Fernández | Nominated |
| 2005 | 19th Goya Awards | Best Actress | Ana Belén | Nominated |
| 2005 | 14th Actors and Actresses Union Awards | Best Film Actor in a Leading Role | Eduard Fernández | Nominated |
| 2005 | 14th Actors and Actresses Union Awards | Best Film Actress in a Leading Role | Ana Belén | Nominated |
