
Husbands and Wives
1992, Drama, 1h 33m
41 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Husbands and Wives is a blistering, emotionally raw snapshot of two marriages self-destructing. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesHusbands and Wives Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Prof. Gabriel "Gabe" Roth
Judy Roth
Rain
Rain's Mother
Sally
Michael Gates
News & Interviews for Husbands and Wives
Critic Reviews for Husbands and Wives
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (3)
-
It's strange how sour the results can be; Husbands and Wives takes the same kinds of dancing passions that looped through Hannah and her Sisters, and turns them into a crabby-go-round.
January 4, 2018 | Full Review… -
In a sense, Woody Allen lets himself off the hook by having his character hold back from adultery, and even seem the victim of Mia Farrow's character. But this is not a smug movie, and much the better for it.
November 16, 2017 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
September 7, 2011 | Rating: B | Full Review… -
In all respects, this is a full meal, as it deals with the things of life with intelligence, truthful drama and rueful humor.
March 23, 2009 | Full Review… -
Excellent performances from Pollack and Davis in particular, make this one of Woody's finest of the 90s.
March 23, 2009 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Allen's conception of character is as banal and shallow as ever, but the lively performances of some of his actors and the novelty of the film's style make this more watchable than many of his features.
March 23, 2009 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Husbands and Wives
-
Apr 28, 2014The mockumentary set-up is rather unnecessary, and some of the relationships make and break too quickly, but the script holds nothing back. These husbands and wives sure get ugly: from Sally's darkly comedic manic episodes during a blind date to Jack orchestrating an ill-timed reunion while making his new squeeze wait in the car. What this movie is though is a tour de force showcase for the acting talents of Judy Davis and Juliette Lewis. I hesitate to call them "Woody's Women" - an endearing though patronizing moniker for his ingenues - because that implies ownership, and since this is purported to be a biographical film, Rain's criticisms of Gabe's patriarchal views of females in his book may hit close to Woody's own home. Judy Davis is shrill and brittle, but sensuously so. I've never thought much of beady-eyed Juliette Lewis, but her wise-beyond-her-years creative writing co-ed steals every scene. Rain's gratitude is never insincere, and her flirtation is subtle. The long take of her placid face in the cab as Gabe insults her for being honest about his book is so great because she just takes it. She doesn't get upset; she knows she's worth it.Alice S Super Reviewer
-
Aug 13, 2013Woody Allen is a highly inconsistent director. While he has created great works throughout the years such as Annie Hall and Midnight in Paris, he's almost made some I couldn't stand. And not only critically inconsistent, but for me personally. While I enjoy Anything else, this movie which is 100% on rottentomatoes, is really unmoving in my eyes. I didn't understand what was going on with the confusing narrative. Woody seems to copy Bergman in Passion of Anna, with the interview style, but he does it so much worse. And that was the hurtful point to the film, the narrative. And the more I watch Woody, I find him going farther and farther from what I'd call a great director. He's a genius writer though. The cast is great, outside of Woody, we have his then spouse (before incest) Mia Farrow, who's wonderful. This film also stars Pollack, Judy Davis, and a small appearance from Neeson. But even the familiar faces can't bring this movie out of the hole.Daniel D Super Reviewer
-
Jul 10, 2011Absolutely outstanding. Note of advice: do not watch this movie with a married man, they will lecture you how true the 'movie' is and how accurate and crazy Davis is. Well this is one of those perfect movies where there's not much more to say than: perfect.Jonny B Super Reviewer
-
Feb 25, 2011Whether you are a fan of Allen or not, this film needs to be watched for the opening scene alone. When Jack (Sydney Pollack) and Sally (Sally Davis) come over for a dinner at their friend's Gabe (Woody Allen) and Judy's (Mia Farrow) house, they inform the unexpecting couple that their marriage is dissolving. This is where Allen's genius comes in. Rather than focusing on Jack & Sally, he focuses on Gabe & Judy's reaction to the news and the implications it has on their own marriage. Using a handheld, Allen invasively follows Gabe and Judy. As the camera shakes and follows the disquieted couple, you really get the sense that this news has shaken their foundation. It is a brilliant scene and in my opinion, Woody's best.Reid V Super Reviewer
Husbands and Wives Quotes
Gabe Roth: | I'd hate to be your boyfriend; he must go through hell. |
Rain: | Well, I'm worth it. |
Sally: | It was a huge blow to my ego. You know, I thought he loved me, that, uh, that we were experimenting, you know. |
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified