Review of The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) by Timothy K — 10 Dec 2008

The Purple Rose of Cairo is a whimsical delight. The story in its self is original and very charming. I would have to consider this my FAVORITE Woody Allen film. His style of writing and old fashioned film making brought out the utter best of this film. Everyone has that dream of playing that one character in a film...or wishing one can have that ultimate Hollywood romantic kiss like in Gone With the Wind. It's that fantasy we all have had at some point in our life. This movie lets us re experience that longing feeling. Though we cannot experience for ourselves, we live it through Mia Farrow's character.

The entire film is drawn out with well produced lines and many memorable quotes. Along side the well produced script holds the well rounded sensational cast. Jeff Daniels performs his character(s) perfectly. He has the ability to make you smile or your insides melt like goo. This would be my favorite performance of his. Dianne Weist has a small but grea role as the prostitute. She's funny and sharp. Mia Farrow shines as the well attained soft spoken leading lady. Her character is sweet, and the audience feels with her and holds onto her every emotion. So that when the end comes you are partially devastated...until you see her smile and then you know that everything will be alright.

Cheers!