I knew that I would enjoy this because Woody Allen is getting better with age. Cate Blanchett is brilliant in the role of a woman in denial, who allowed her life to be hijacked by her former husband, who was a crook, played by Alec Baldwin. She now has to deal with the consequences of his actions and everyone's pain, and she is incapable of telling the truth or dealing with reality. Cate's acting is exceptional, amongst a wonderful cast - the characterisation is so vivid that I felt unsettled. Most of all, I came out telling myself "don't let that happen to me" - it's not likely to. It is a cautionary tale in many ways: most of all, about telling the truth to yourself and others. Sally Hawkins as usual is excellent as Jasmine's down-to-earth sister who has to offer shelter and support to her sibling, and who has suffered herself.
As others have mentioned, the action moves between the present and the past without warning and this takes some adjustment, but the story makes sense. It is gripping although the audience does not know where it is heading.
On one level this film is a trademark Woody Allen, on another level it is very unexpected - it's a serious story (with some humour) and the full drama of Jasmine's life is portrayed on Cate Blanchett's face. The ending is unexpected and thought-provoking, almost existential. I recommend it but don't expect a light comedy.
As others have mentioned, the action moves between the present and the past without warning and this takes some adjustment, but the story makes sense. It is gripping although the audience does not know where it is heading.
On one level this film is a trademark Woody Allen, on another level it is very unexpected - it's a serious story (with some humour) and the full drama of Jasmine's life is portrayed on Cate Blanchett's face. The ending is unexpected and thought-provoking, almost existential. I recommend it but don't expect a light comedy.