Review of Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) by Danny R — 10 Jan 2012

One of Woody Allen's finest and funniest films concerning neurotic New Yorkers, beginning with Woody Allen in top form as Mickey, a hypochondriac TV producer who thinks he is on the verge of dying, which changes his life forever, his ex-wife Hannah, played superbly by Mia Farrow who is currently married to guilt-ridden cad and successful accountant named Elliott, played magnificently by Sir Michael Caine in a priceless Oscar winner performance, he has never been so vulnerable and endearing on the screen, Elliott has fallen madly in love was Hannah's sister Lee, played with a tender subtle by Barbara Hershey in one of the best performances of career, she lives with a cynical, condescending hermit, artist named Frederick, played brilliantly by the legendary Max von Sydow, then there is the proverbial black sleep of the family Holly, the cocaine-addicted sister that is a complete failure in almost everything she tries, she is played by Dianne Wiest in a superlative Oscar winning performance, that is full of spunk and sympathy.

As Hannah's parents Maureen O'Sulllivan, Mia Farrow's real-life mom delivers a fabulous scene stealing performance as her floozy mother, and the late Lloyd Nolan is very memorable as the father, in his last screen appearance.

A majestic supporting cast all deliver fabulous performances they include Daniel Stern, Sam Waterson, Richard Jenkins, Paul Bates, Julie Kavner, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bobby Short, John Turturro, Tony Roberts, and Joanna Gleason.

Woody Allen's masterful direction and glorious Oscar winning screenplay, captures all the drama and brimming laughter in this unequivocal classic film. Winner of 3 Academy Awards, Best Original Screenplay: Woody Allen, Best Supporting Actor: Michael Caine, Best Supporting Actress" Dianne Wiest.

Highly Recommended.