The Purple Rose of Cairo

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The Purple Rose of Cairo

PG

Released Mar 1, 1985

1h 22m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

93%

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41 Reviews

88%

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10,000+ Ratings

Unhappily married Depression-era waitress Cecilia (Mia Farrow) earns the money while her inattentive husband, Monk (Danny Aiello), blows their meager income on getting drunk and gambling. To assuage her loneliness, Cecilia escapes to the picture show and becomes transfixed with the movie The Purple Rose of Cairo, and especially with its lead character, archeologist Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels). When Tom literally steps off of the screen and into her life, both realities are thrown into chaos.

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Critics Consensus

Lighthearted and sweet, The Purple Rose of Cairo stands as one of Woody Allen's more inventive -- and enchantingly whimsical -- pictures.

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Terrence Rafferty

Sight & Sound

Everything in this movie makes heavenly sense.

Mar 24, 2020

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Delightful from beginning to end, not only because of the clarity and charm with which Daniels and Farrow explore the problems of their characters, but also because the movie is so intelligent.

Rated: 4/4

Jun 21, 2018

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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 2/5

Apr 11, 2004

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Sean Burns

Crooked Marquee

One of the director’s breeziest, most consistently delightful efforts. Until the final scenes sneak up on you.

Jun 3, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

When discussing Woody Allen classics, titles like Annie Hall and Hannah and Her Sisters are frequently cited (and rightly so), but where’s the love for The Purple Rose of Cairo, a movie that even Woody himself considers among his top two or three?

Rated: 4/4

Feb 15, 2023

Full Review

Zita Short

InSession Film

Mia Farrow delivers one of her most deeply affecting performances in this bittersweet romantic comedy about a Depression-era housewife.

Feb 1, 2023

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Leaburn O

A clever, quirky, sweet piece of film about the joy and romance of cinema. One of Woody Allen’s very best. Watched on DVD.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/18/24

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Rare T

The Woody Allen movie revolves about filmmaking, making sure to join the few successful attempts at such movies; that success has proven to end up rendering them as classics. The Purple Rose of Cairo is not merely a tribute to cinephiles, but also a reminder to all of us that no matter the hurdles lifes puts our way, we will always have cinema at the end of the day.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/22/24

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Rafael M

Ao mesmo tempo que aparenta inocência, é um filme que aperta o coração.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/22/24

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Tom S

It's a great film! Very original!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/30/24

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nick s

Has the usual Woody Allen vibe with a lot of rapid fire dialogue and expressive characters. The concept is a bit silly and the story simplistic. But it compensates with high production value - good camera work, acting and directing.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/19/24

Full Review

J M

I don't think I've seen a movie that conveys the sheer joy and magic of cinema in such a simple yet heartfelt manner. This movie is a valentine to all of us who share a passion for the silver screen. It's funny and moving, and like the titular flower, it even feels a little delicate and fragile. Farrow has never been lovelier, and your heart absolutely melts for her. Daniels, replacing Michael Keaton, successfully conveys actor Gil Shepherd and his creation Tom Baxter as two separate entities, which I imagine can be a challenge. Allen's writing is crisp and heartfelt without getting overly sentimental, and the moment when Tom walks off the screen and into Cecelia's life is movie magic. The majority of the laughs come from the co-stars in the film who are left on the screen - some angry, some jealous, all hilarious. A couple of the moments in which Tom adapts to the "real world" feel a bit obvious, including a visit with some prostitutes, but that is a very minor objection to this whimsical fantasy which feels like one of Allen's most personal films. And Farrow is just luminous - particularly during the bittersweet ending that simultaneously puts an arrow through your heart and a knowing smile on your face. - Jeff Marshall, Movie Blogger (Facebook)

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/17/24

Full Review

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Woody Allen

Director

Mia Farrow

Cecilia

Jeff Daniels

Tom Baxter

Danny Aiello

Monk

Dianne Wiest

Emma

Van Johnson

Larry

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The Purple Rose of Cairo: The Advantage of Being Imaginary

2:43

The Purple Rose of Cairo: What Kind of a Club is This?

2:55

The Purple Rose of Cairo: Cheek to Cheek

2:56

The Purple Rose of Cairo: Free After 2,000 Performances

2:53

The Purple Rose of Cairo: Don't Turn the Projector Off

1:58

The Purple Rose of Cairo: Real Life Lessons

2:46

The Purple Rose of Cairo: Damage Control

2:59

The Purple Rose of Cairo: Plagued By His Own Creation

2:59

The Purple Rose of Cairo: Back Into the Story

3:07

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Synopsis

Unhappily married Depression-era waitress Cecilia (Mia Farrow) earns the money while her inattentive husband, Monk (Danny Aiello), blows their meager income on getting drunk and gambling. To assuage her loneliness, Cecilia escapes to the picture show and becomes transfixed with the movie The Purple Rose of Cairo, and especially with its lead character, archeologist Tom Baxter (Jeff Daniels). When Tom literally steps off of the screen and into her life, both realities are thrown into chaos.

Director: Woody Allen
Producer: Robert Greenhut
Screenwriter: Woody Allen
Distributor: Orion Pictures
Production Co: Orion Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 1, 1985, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 25, 2012
Runtime: 1h 22m
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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