'Mature' is an apt description of this drama written and directed by Woody Allen, concerning a married couple in NYC whose relationship hits a wall after finding out their best friends are splitting up. It's an often gut-wrenching picture that doesn't shy away from some really tough scenes and emotions. That said, I didn't quite buy the ending that attempts to wrap things up with a smile; this plastic conclusion seems foisted upon Allen, who first sucker punches marriage and then gives us an everything-will-be-OK tag. Allen shows no signs of personal belief in this section of the picture (it's a throwaway job), yet it's such a small portion that it can be forgiven--or, at the least, overlooked. Mia Farrow and (especially) Sydney Pollack do amazing work, and Woody gives another of his wise performances playing a writer/college professor, but Judy Davis' high-strung and bitterly-stung character--cultured to the point of being so cerebral, she can't relax--tends to grate if she's on the screen too long (and she is). **1/2 from ****
Review of Husbands and Wives
