Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)

Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) is a sharp, bittersweet blend of comedy and drama that interweaves two parallel stories about love, fidelity and the moral compromises people make to protect their lives. One thread follows Judah Rosenthal, a respected ophthalmologist whose long-term mistress demands he leave his wife — a demand that forces Judah into a desperate ethical crisis when his shady brother proposes a final, drastic solution. The other follows documentary filmmaker Clifford Stern, whose stalled career and unhappy marriage lead him into an uneasy attraction with a young colleague while he is reluctantly commissioned to profile his pompous brother-in-law, a TV producer who embodies everything Clifford despises. Watching the film, you’ll experience a mix of dark humor and mounting tension: slyly comic moments sit beside scenes of genuine anguish and moral unease. The movie probes questions of conscience and consequence rather than offering easy answers, balancing intimate character work with satirical observations about privilege, reputation and self-deception. Expect thoughtful dialogue, bittersweet performances and a finale that leaves you thinking about guilt, responsibility and the ways people rationalize their choices long after the credits roll.

Actors: Martin Landau, Woody Allen, Bill Bernstein

Director: Woody Allen

Runtime: 104 min

Genres: Comedy, Drama

7.9 /10 77 /100 7.8 /10 7.8 /10