Michael Green (Andy Garcia) and his wife, Alice (Meg Ryan) are living the good life in San Francisco. They are both professionals, they live in a lovely home, and they have two beautiful daughters (Tina Majorino and Mae Whitman). But, they also have a secret. Alice is a "closet" alcoholic, who is on the verge of showing it to the world and Michael is doing his best to cover for her to everyone. Things are complicated, for Alice seems happier when she is in the "party mood" and Michael loves her so much that he actually appears to relish his role as the one Alice calls on to put herself back together. Yet, even a vacation to Mexico does not help Alice find the self-happiness she needs to lose the bottle. Also, Alice injures herself at home, scaring the girls beyond measure and they are suffering from neglect, too. Therefore, Alice has to enter a "Betty Ford" type clinic. But, will Michael and Alice both like and love each other when Alice is sober? This is a great movie for its honest portrayal of the effects an alcoholic has on the family he or she loves and on the long climb out of the world of alcoholism. Alice and Michael are not really living the American dream but the American nightmare, because of Alice's need for one drink after another. Both Ryan and Garcia are truly wonderful in roles that call upon them to be both lovable and repugnant, at the same time. The other cast members, including Ellen Burstyn and the two lovely little girl-actresses, are also just perfect. Naturally, the settings in San Fran and Mexico are great, especially the Green's beautiful old house. Costumes, too, are very well-chosen and all other other productions values of direction, photography and story are most worthy, too. Then, too, the film also has great value as a movie to show the realities of alcoholism to any audience that could benefit from such a view. In summary, if you are a man or woman who loves movies that tell a tale well, with gorgeous stars, even if it might result in a few shed tears, this is a great choice. You might even pop it in when you need a "good cry", for it has wonderful cathartic elements.
106 Reviews
Terrific film.
faithpersecuted335 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Great film about addiction! Not just romance, but how to help someone in need. Everyone needs to see this film again and again.
The acting was amazing and the locations.
You finish this movie wondering, and hopeful. The human spirit has such capacity for love and compassion, and our modern society such drive to deny and eliminate it. Wonderfully crafted performances by Meg and Andy. Good writing and direction. There are moments that echo right into our own lives, and humour that makes you smile with your soul. I wish all Hollywood films could be like this.
What I also loved was the lack of profanity.
The acting was amazing and the locations.
You finish this movie wondering, and hopeful. The human spirit has such capacity for love and compassion, and our modern society such drive to deny and eliminate it. Wonderfully crafted performances by Meg and Andy. Good writing and direction. There are moments that echo right into our own lives, and humour that makes you smile with your soul. I wish all Hollywood films could be like this.
What I also loved was the lack of profanity.
I am not your problem to solve.
sharky_5514 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
When a Man Loves a Woman works as almost a rom-com in reverse, in which husband and wife begin madly in love but slowly realise they are wrong for each other. It is easy to bring two strangers together; it is harder to admit that they must part. The opening is posed like any conventional romance. They seem to 'meet-cute' in a bar, with eyes only for each other. There isn't only a spark but a blazing inferno, as she straddles him right there and then while some poor schmuck sips his drink quietly. When it's revealed they are married, that is merely another sign of the strength of their blissful relationship, so in love that they still play games with each other. But she is an alcoholic.
If you saw Addicted to Love you would have thought Meg Ryan could never make the transition into the darkier, edgier roles, but here she isn't playing a caricature, but a real mother and human being who hides her darkness, stashes it away in bottles. Her character is a twist on the usual Meg Ryan figure, blonde and full of laughter, at least until she has a drink. The performance feels lived in because of how easily and quietly she is able to deflect and shift blame when hard questions are directed at her. During their holiday in Mexico, paradise in the pool, she grips her husband tightly, spins him around, and attempts to will the problem away. Blink and you'll miss how effortlessly Alice turns Michael's accusations back onto him, by confessing that during long flights away from home she replaces him with a bottle. Or two, or three.
But the movie breaks new ground when Alice returns from rehab sober, and suddenly the relationship is no longer defined by her alcoholic status and the role of Michael as the one picking her back up. A more conventional plot would have placed this objective at the end of the film, have it be their salvation and pave the way for a happier future. But Mandoki knows that sometimes one addiction can hide harder truths, and positions its exit to reveal ugly secrets about the imbalance of their marriage. There is a scene right after Michael returns from his first AA meeting that establishes both their perspectives perfectly, and how their opinions on drinkers could not be anymore different. Watch how their dialogue starts with little jabs at each other and then spirals into words designed to wound; watch how Andy Garci explodes and splatters a portrait of a man whose pride and ego has been bruised at the thought of not being enough for his wife. And Alice in turn weeps because she can't make him see that her sins might not be so easy to make amends for.
All this and more is spelt out to the audience in the conclusion, where the film goes all Notting Hill on us and narrates in two powerful monologues that nevertheless feel as if each character is tripping over to get their apologies in. Having bared their souls, they hastily patch things up and are entwined once again in a kiss over the credits. The whole thing stinks of executive meddling, as if the head honchos realised that both leads had discovered something deep and uncomfortable about their lives, and were scared of not having this resolved by the final shot. If the film is brave for allowing its romantic pair to admit their faults, it could have been even braver by allowing them to find their own way back.
If you saw Addicted to Love you would have thought Meg Ryan could never make the transition into the darkier, edgier roles, but here she isn't playing a caricature, but a real mother and human being who hides her darkness, stashes it away in bottles. Her character is a twist on the usual Meg Ryan figure, blonde and full of laughter, at least until she has a drink. The performance feels lived in because of how easily and quietly she is able to deflect and shift blame when hard questions are directed at her. During their holiday in Mexico, paradise in the pool, she grips her husband tightly, spins him around, and attempts to will the problem away. Blink and you'll miss how effortlessly Alice turns Michael's accusations back onto him, by confessing that during long flights away from home she replaces him with a bottle. Or two, or three.
But the movie breaks new ground when Alice returns from rehab sober, and suddenly the relationship is no longer defined by her alcoholic status and the role of Michael as the one picking her back up. A more conventional plot would have placed this objective at the end of the film, have it be their salvation and pave the way for a happier future. But Mandoki knows that sometimes one addiction can hide harder truths, and positions its exit to reveal ugly secrets about the imbalance of their marriage. There is a scene right after Michael returns from his first AA meeting that establishes both their perspectives perfectly, and how their opinions on drinkers could not be anymore different. Watch how their dialogue starts with little jabs at each other and then spirals into words designed to wound; watch how Andy Garci explodes and splatters a portrait of a man whose pride and ego has been bruised at the thought of not being enough for his wife. And Alice in turn weeps because she can't make him see that her sins might not be so easy to make amends for.
All this and more is spelt out to the audience in the conclusion, where the film goes all Notting Hill on us and narrates in two powerful monologues that nevertheless feel as if each character is tripping over to get their apologies in. Having bared their souls, they hastily patch things up and are entwined once again in a kiss over the credits. The whole thing stinks of executive meddling, as if the head honchos realised that both leads had discovered something deep and uncomfortable about their lives, and were scared of not having this resolved by the final shot. If the film is brave for allowing its romantic pair to admit their faults, it could have been even braver by allowing them to find their own way back.
Loved It
Jailynn4 October 1999
I saw this movie the first week when it came out and absolutely fell in love with it. My parents were alcoholics and seeing what the little girls had to go through is what made me cry so hard. I could see many reflections of my sister and I in Meg Ryan's daughters. Both her and Andy Garcia's performances were outstanding. I would recommend this movie if you have personally dealt with alcholism, or if you have been the victim of someone's abuse, because it helped me come to terms with some issues that I had been struggling with.
Truth About Booze
whpratt118 April 2006
This was a very well produced film dealing with a couple having to face a Number 1 killer of human life, not just in death, but killing a person's Mind, Body and Soul along with relationships and children with broken homes and dreams of a normal life. Meg Ryan, (Alice Green), started out drinking just beer, as the old saying goes, "Why it is only Beer", and not the Hard Booze I drink. Maybe a few in the AM and plenty on the weekend and every night, Why its only BEER. That is how Alice Green dealt with her problem and it caused all kinds of hell for her husband, Andy Garcia,(Michael Green), who was a pilot who had no idea just how to handle the illness in his family. No one can ever help the drunk, he or she has to help themselves and going to AA and taking the STEPS will help, however, a Higher Power does create the cure. This definitely was a Good film and we need more and more films just like this One on the Big Silver Screen.
A good try but not totally successful
GMJames14 October 2001
The ads for "When A Man Loves A Woman" made it seem like it was more of a light comedy than a serious drama on how alcoholism affects a family. Considering the very odd screen writing collaboration of Ronald Bass (Rain Man) and Al Franken (Saturday Night Live), the film felt off-balanced and incomplete. I kept thinking of "Days of Wine and Roses" (which was a much better movie which was also set in San Francisco) while watching this movie. Despite my overall disappointment in the film, there were a couple of things that I did admire: the helplessness Andy Garcia's character felt when he realized that as much as he tries, he can't help his alcoholic wife. It did capture co-dependency within a relationship rather well.
**POSSIBLE SPOILER** I was also impressed with Meg Ryan specifically her speech near the end when she acknowledged her alcoholism and how it has affected her family and her life. It was when she got her coin for staying sober for 6 months. It was the only scene that rang true for me. I was pleasantly surprised how well Ryan played that scene out without asking for pity from the audience at the meeting. I wished that the entire movie would have been as honest as that monologue near the end of the movie.
**POSSIBLE SPOILER** I was also impressed with Meg Ryan specifically her speech near the end when she acknowledged her alcoholism and how it has affected her family and her life. It was when she got her coin for staying sober for 6 months. It was the only scene that rang true for me. I was pleasantly surprised how well Ryan played that scene out without asking for pity from the audience at the meeting. I wished that the entire movie would have been as honest as that monologue near the end of the movie.
My number 159 movie
Rinho1824 January 2001
Meg Ryan is very good in this film, and Andy Garcia does an OK-good-job. The movie is about a woman ( Meg Ryan) who is hard-drinking and has to go to the psychiatric clinic for that. There she starts learning the bad reasons for being hard-drinking and finds out that her family is more important than alcohol. The film is quite well and interesting made, and ... just good. I rated this movie 8/10.
excellent portrayal of alcoholism
erindunham200022 September 2005
Alcoholism crosses many boundaries within our society. It effects persons from every socioeconomic standpoint, religious background and race. It is the most extensively abused substance in our society that creates turmoil and conflict in our interpersonal relationships. The depiction of alcoholism in "When a Man Loves a Woman" exemplifies that the abuse of alcohol is not a unilateral disease in society, but multilateral in it's effects.
"When a Man Loves a Woman" depicts alcoholism and the stages of breaking the addiction in a truthful and emotionally powerful way. Meg Ryan's portrayal of Alice Green, the protagonist, illustrates the emotional complexities that effect the family structure. The most prominent scene that illustrates the destruction of alcoholism on the family is when Alice hits Jess, her young daughter and consequently overdoses on alcohol and aspirin in the shower. Frustration and anger are depicted as the underlying cause of Alice's alcoholism, which in turn she realizes and accepts that she does have a chronic problem with alcohol. It exemplifies how often, the person, as with Alice, must endure "rock bottom" before coming to terms with their addiction.
The effects of alcoholism within the family unit are dealt with emotionally through the illustration of Alice and Michael's marriage post-rehab. Again, the film does an excellent job in portraying how not only the addiction affects the family unit but the recovery as well. The last half of the movie unfolds how Alice's identity of herself has been changed and her ability to accept her new identity of a recovered alcoholic is intertwined with Michael's acceptance of Alice's transformed identity. This transformation of each of their roles is not black and white, as often seen in movies, but illustrates the complexities that the road to recovery can bring.
"When a Man Love's a Woman" is a visual depiction of an Alcoholics Anonymous participant. The last scene exemplifies this with Alice recounting her personal struggle with alcohol to an AA meeting on her 184th day of sobriety. As well, Michael's participation with Al-Anon, the support group for people affected by loved one's with addictions, shows all the positive abilities of group therapy in the AA setting. The stages that Alice goes through are part of the 12-step program, although it shows the struggles that the person must succumb to at each step.
"When a Man Loves a Woman" depicts alcoholism and the stages of breaking the addiction in a truthful and emotionally powerful way. Meg Ryan's portrayal of Alice Green, the protagonist, illustrates the emotional complexities that effect the family structure. The most prominent scene that illustrates the destruction of alcoholism on the family is when Alice hits Jess, her young daughter and consequently overdoses on alcohol and aspirin in the shower. Frustration and anger are depicted as the underlying cause of Alice's alcoholism, which in turn she realizes and accepts that she does have a chronic problem with alcohol. It exemplifies how often, the person, as with Alice, must endure "rock bottom" before coming to terms with their addiction.
The effects of alcoholism within the family unit are dealt with emotionally through the illustration of Alice and Michael's marriage post-rehab. Again, the film does an excellent job in portraying how not only the addiction affects the family unit but the recovery as well. The last half of the movie unfolds how Alice's identity of herself has been changed and her ability to accept her new identity of a recovered alcoholic is intertwined with Michael's acceptance of Alice's transformed identity. This transformation of each of their roles is not black and white, as often seen in movies, but illustrates the complexities that the road to recovery can bring.
"When a Man Love's a Woman" is a visual depiction of an Alcoholics Anonymous participant. The last scene exemplifies this with Alice recounting her personal struggle with alcohol to an AA meeting on her 184th day of sobriety. As well, Michael's participation with Al-Anon, the support group for people affected by loved one's with addictions, shows all the positive abilities of group therapy in the AA setting. The stages that Alice goes through are part of the 12-step program, although it shows the struggles that the person must succumb to at each step.
A Great Movie that is Hard to Watch
chron27 November 1999
I first saw this movie in the theater when it came out. I remember feeling frustrated. I watched it again last night on satellite and decided this really is a great movie, but it is hard to watch. It is a very real love story, but don't confuse that as meaning it is a typical romantic story.
Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia play a couple definitely in love, but struggling with their relationship after Meg Ryan's character comes back from detox. Instead of being cured, she is confused and they realize there is a wedge that comes from an experience they can't share. She has AA friends that her husband can't relate to, but she needs someone who can understand and her husband isn't it.
One mark of great writing is when the characters are not saintly or demonic, but shades of grey. Andy Garcia's character is a really nice guy, but he's not saintly. He resorts to sarcasm out of his frustration in not being able to help his wife. Of course, she doesn't want his help, she wants his understanding. She is basically a good person, but she can't sort through her feelings and ends up being unknowingly cruel to her husband.
After one scene, my wife stated, "Now HE frustrated me". I said, "I was frustrated too, but BY HER". This movie really pegs male and female relationships.
Superbly written, superbly acted. It hurts to watch it, but a movie that can evoke real emotion and not pander to the audience with contrived plot lines is a great movie. THIS is a great movie.
Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia play a couple definitely in love, but struggling with their relationship after Meg Ryan's character comes back from detox. Instead of being cured, she is confused and they realize there is a wedge that comes from an experience they can't share. She has AA friends that her husband can't relate to, but she needs someone who can understand and her husband isn't it.
One mark of great writing is when the characters are not saintly or demonic, but shades of grey. Andy Garcia's character is a really nice guy, but he's not saintly. He resorts to sarcasm out of his frustration in not being able to help his wife. Of course, she doesn't want his help, she wants his understanding. She is basically a good person, but she can't sort through her feelings and ends up being unknowingly cruel to her husband.
After one scene, my wife stated, "Now HE frustrated me". I said, "I was frustrated too, but BY HER". This movie really pegs male and female relationships.
Superbly written, superbly acted. It hurts to watch it, but a movie that can evoke real emotion and not pander to the audience with contrived plot lines is a great movie. THIS is a great movie.
Meg Ryan does drama!
PatrickGT23 August 2005
I bought a copy of this film for my wife who was recovering from an emergency appendectomy thinking that it might cheer her up. I was wrong. I identify Meg Ryan with "Sleepless In Seattle", a feel good kind of movie, and was a little surprised (nay shocked) at her ability to swear and, more seriously, carry off a darker role. Andy Garcia I find weak. I am not convinced by him as an actor - hence the central relationship didn't prosper and the film nearly floundered. What saved it was some of the dialogue towards the end - accurately observed and thoughtful - which dealt with the main issue of the film and rooted it in reality. The "secret" was dealt with. Overall a watchable film, some excellent performances from the daughters, but lacking a strong enough plot line to truly satisfy. Finally was there really only two years between Meg Ryan in this and "Sleepless"? Two hard years obviously for Meg!
absolutely terrible
Khamel8331 October 2003
this was just a terrible movie and i truly cannot see any redeming value in the characters or the story at all. Meg Ryan is a drunk who treats her family like trash and then when she finally gets better, she takes the children and leaves her husband out on the side of the road with all her empty vodka bottles. meg ryan's character is one of the most detestible characters in any movie that i have ever seen; no substance can make someone do what she does throughout the movie. she, not her husband nor alcohol, is to blame and she should have joined her bottles in the garbage where she belongs.
Incredible insight
whistlestop9 March 2003
This movie has me in tears throughout; it portrays the mixed
feelings, emotions and total confusion of an alcoholic wife and
mother so perfectly - and I should recognize them, as an alcoholic
of 10 years myself. Especially moving is the wonderful
performance of the elder child "Jessie" - an amazing achievement
in one so young. It certainly strengthened my resolve never to go
down that path again. I recommend it to all families of alcoholics
for an insight into our way of thinking - our shame, our inability to
control our own addiction, and the possibilty of real recovery.
Thank you, all involved.
feelings, emotions and total confusion of an alcoholic wife and
mother so perfectly - and I should recognize them, as an alcoholic
of 10 years myself. Especially moving is the wonderful
performance of the elder child "Jessie" - an amazing achievement
in one so young. It certainly strengthened my resolve never to go
down that path again. I recommend it to all families of alcoholics
for an insight into our way of thinking - our shame, our inability to
control our own addiction, and the possibilty of real recovery.
Thank you, all involved.
Not Ground-breaking, but somewhat Unique!
VideoJoeD17 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
There are times when seeing a quality film for the second time that it does not stack up as well as it did the first time it was viewed. More often, I enjoy the film a little more on the second viewing due to being able to pick up certain subtle aspects that were not as evident on the first go around and on a few occasions, I find a film much more rewarding, as was the case with this particular film. I saw the film in the theater when it was originally released and although I thought it was a fairly good film and the performances by the two stars, Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia, were of a high quality, I was somewhat disappointed in the overall production. It may have been related to my having anticipated a romance that was not based on as much heart-ache and depressing circumstances.
I saw it again recently, slightly over a decade later, and was able to view it from a slightly different perspective. The material, dealing with alcohol addiction, is not ground-breaking but is presented in a slightly unique fashion. The film depicts the downward spiral of the addicted woman, but also examines all the tragic consequences forced upon those closest to her. It involves the audience in the tragic and depressing situations that are imposed on the spouse, children, family and friends of the person with the addiction. It has a somewhat unique aspect, in that it examines how those closest to the alcoholic can inadvertently contribute to the problem while attempting to help their loved one recover from the addiction. Although they may have the best of intentions, they can sometimes magnify the conditions related to the problem.
I think an IMDb rating of between 4 and 9 would seem appropriate for this intense emotionally charged drama. I personally gave it a 7 out of 10 and would highly recommend it for viewers that are not in the market for light or humorous entertainment.
I saw it again recently, slightly over a decade later, and was able to view it from a slightly different perspective. The material, dealing with alcohol addiction, is not ground-breaking but is presented in a slightly unique fashion. The film depicts the downward spiral of the addicted woman, but also examines all the tragic consequences forced upon those closest to her. It involves the audience in the tragic and depressing situations that are imposed on the spouse, children, family and friends of the person with the addiction. It has a somewhat unique aspect, in that it examines how those closest to the alcoholic can inadvertently contribute to the problem while attempting to help their loved one recover from the addiction. Although they may have the best of intentions, they can sometimes magnify the conditions related to the problem.
I think an IMDb rating of between 4 and 9 would seem appropriate for this intense emotionally charged drama. I personally gave it a 7 out of 10 and would highly recommend it for viewers that are not in the market for light or humorous entertainment.
Bad script, bad movie.
frankboccia21 November 2005
When I saw that Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia, two of my personal favorites, were the leads in this movie, I decided to watch it, despite the fact that I'm not often drawn to this type of film. Through some sudden onset of masochism, I stayed grimly in my chair, to the end, but frankly, after twenty minutes I was ready to pack it in.
This may not be the worst script ever, but it ranks down there with the worst of them. Andy Garcia, who has done some good work in other films, is totally unconvincing as an airline pilot. You could no more envision him in command of a seventy-five ton 737 than you could Dick Butkus dancing the Nutcracker. None of the character traits that define pilots, such as extreme self-assurance bordering on arrogance, self-reliance that easily becomes isolation, and a certain coldly amused view of the world and everyone in it, are present in Garcia's character. Some of that is him, mis-cast, but most of that is due to the script.
Meg Ryan is treated even worse. She is simply not a sympathetic character. Okay, you're saying to yourself: "Look, dummy, she's an alcoholic. She's not supposed to be Mary Poppins." I have, unfortunately, a more than casual acquaintance with a real alcoholics, and of course they're not sympathetic, when they're drinking. But the point here is that there is nothing in Ryan's character worth redeeming. It's not that she's so bad, it's that she's so pointless. The ultimate irony here is that the writes don't understand alcoholism at all. The worst and most evident aspect of the alcoholic personality is the extreme level of selfishness and self-absorption --nothing and nobody else matters. But the writers choose precisely that trait as her path to redemption. When she leaves husband and child, and goes off to "find herself", she begins to heal. That's laughable. Anyone who knows alcoholics also knows that they never have any trouble at all finding themselves. It's finding or even looking for others that's the problem.
The result is a chaotic swirl of pointless shouting and desperate facial expressions, culminating in the scene on the lake, where she falls off the canoe and into the depths, dragging her husband with her. By that point, Ryan and Garcia notwithstanding, I was fervently hoping that they would drown together, and leave the rest of us in peace, to watch re-runs of My Mother the Car.
This may not be the worst script ever, but it ranks down there with the worst of them. Andy Garcia, who has done some good work in other films, is totally unconvincing as an airline pilot. You could no more envision him in command of a seventy-five ton 737 than you could Dick Butkus dancing the Nutcracker. None of the character traits that define pilots, such as extreme self-assurance bordering on arrogance, self-reliance that easily becomes isolation, and a certain coldly amused view of the world and everyone in it, are present in Garcia's character. Some of that is him, mis-cast, but most of that is due to the script.
Meg Ryan is treated even worse. She is simply not a sympathetic character. Okay, you're saying to yourself: "Look, dummy, she's an alcoholic. She's not supposed to be Mary Poppins." I have, unfortunately, a more than casual acquaintance with a real alcoholics, and of course they're not sympathetic, when they're drinking. But the point here is that there is nothing in Ryan's character worth redeeming. It's not that she's so bad, it's that she's so pointless. The ultimate irony here is that the writes don't understand alcoholism at all. The worst and most evident aspect of the alcoholic personality is the extreme level of selfishness and self-absorption --nothing and nobody else matters. But the writers choose precisely that trait as her path to redemption. When she leaves husband and child, and goes off to "find herself", she begins to heal. That's laughable. Anyone who knows alcoholics also knows that they never have any trouble at all finding themselves. It's finding or even looking for others that's the problem.
The result is a chaotic swirl of pointless shouting and desperate facial expressions, culminating in the scene on the lake, where she falls off the canoe and into the depths, dragging her husband with her. By that point, Ryan and Garcia notwithstanding, I was fervently hoping that they would drown together, and leave the rest of us in peace, to watch re-runs of My Mother the Car.
Makes you understand the works of alcoholism
flotheduck11 August 2000
This movie is excellent! I always fall for love stories, but this one was different. It made me understand and think. I began to understand the works of alcoholism. What people go through before de-tox and after. Their emotions all mixed up, and etc. I first watched it on satellite a few months ago when I read the description and saw that Meg Ryan was co-starring in the film. (Meg is one of my favorite actresses of all time.) I sat down and watched it and fell in love with the first minute! At times I would be frustrated at the man who sometimes was a smart alleck. and sometimes the woman would make me angry because she didn't realize how much he wanted to help her. This is a unique romantic story and should be watched for all ages because it warns you about alcoholism.
10/10
10/10
A film many can relate to . .
saberlee442 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I thought this was one of the more REAL films that I've seen. As there are a plethora of plot summaries already on this site, I will just repeat the basics: this is the story of an airline pilot (ANDY GARCIA) and his wife (MEG RYAN) whose drinking becomes more and more out of control, threatening their marriage and family.
Just as a side note, I found it rather jarring that Andy Garcia, with an accent, was named "Michael Green." The name just did not jive with the character and for some reason I actually let that bother me.
The feelings that this film evoked in me were feelings that I think will touch many viewers in a myriad of ways. It certainly shows the devastation and destruction of alcoholism, and the reality that alcoholism does not have to come from someone picking up the bottle because they have a horrific life. It can come from all kinds of place that the alcoholic him/herself does not understand, and may never understand. I thought the film did an excellent job in portraying this realistically, and it's hard to imagine that anyone watching would not be reminded of someone they know, whether it be themselves or someone close to them.
I also really related to the loyalty and abiding love. I truly felt for Michael as he found that he did not know what his wife Alice needed, and that he was condemned for being the kind of man most women would love to have by their side. I felt pulled between my anger toward Alice for seeming so unfair to him, yet my feeling that I did not understand her and that her feelings were very legitimate.
The film, to me, did not take sides and it did not paint a wildly unrealistic picture as some films do. While I'm a big fan of LEAVING LAS VEGAS, which showed the absolute worst of alcoholism in Nicholas Cage's character, this film was powerful by illustrating alcoholism differently. After all, there is no one way to portray it. The monster has many faces.
This wasn't the best film I've ever seen, but I really liked it and I think it made a powerful statement. I couldn't help but thinking as I watched that I hoped seeing this film would reach many people. Meg Ryan was excellent as the multi-faceted "Alice Green" and the young actresses who played her daughters were very compelling, reminding everyone how deeply affected children are by this tragedy. It is a film I will remember for a long time.
Just as a side note, I found it rather jarring that Andy Garcia, with an accent, was named "Michael Green." The name just did not jive with the character and for some reason I actually let that bother me.
The feelings that this film evoked in me were feelings that I think will touch many viewers in a myriad of ways. It certainly shows the devastation and destruction of alcoholism, and the reality that alcoholism does not have to come from someone picking up the bottle because they have a horrific life. It can come from all kinds of place that the alcoholic him/herself does not understand, and may never understand. I thought the film did an excellent job in portraying this realistically, and it's hard to imagine that anyone watching would not be reminded of someone they know, whether it be themselves or someone close to them.
I also really related to the loyalty and abiding love. I truly felt for Michael as he found that he did not know what his wife Alice needed, and that he was condemned for being the kind of man most women would love to have by their side. I felt pulled between my anger toward Alice for seeming so unfair to him, yet my feeling that I did not understand her and that her feelings were very legitimate.
The film, to me, did not take sides and it did not paint a wildly unrealistic picture as some films do. While I'm a big fan of LEAVING LAS VEGAS, which showed the absolute worst of alcoholism in Nicholas Cage's character, this film was powerful by illustrating alcoholism differently. After all, there is no one way to portray it. The monster has many faces.
This wasn't the best film I've ever seen, but I really liked it and I think it made a powerful statement. I couldn't help but thinking as I watched that I hoped seeing this film would reach many people. Meg Ryan was excellent as the multi-faceted "Alice Green" and the young actresses who played her daughters were very compelling, reminding everyone how deeply affected children are by this tragedy. It is a film I will remember for a long time.
A movie where I didn't like Meg Ryan one bit
haggar31 October 2001
I was thinking, hey, Meg Ryan is really irritating in this role. The I realized she is the same person, in each role I ever saw her. Is she just being herself? In every movie?
In any case, her acting was laughable. There is nothing loveable about this Alice person. I couldn't even feel pity for her as an alcohol addict.
And the whole situation is not really believable: care and attention is rejected by Alice for what reason exactly? Does that make any sense? The script has some big psychological inconsistncies. And why is she an addict in the first place? The movie seems to hint to the fact that her husband is often away, but to be honest, he's not away all that much, and later in the movie this hint totally fades away.
Another fault is that the kid's character development is completely erratic. I don't at all understand what is each kid's spiritual world, what is their personality. Big "thumbs down". I don't fault the children's acting, though, I think they did a terrific job, really. It's totally the fault of the conducting of the movie and the script.
Anyway, good elements here and there, but the movie is way overrated.
In any case, her acting was laughable. There is nothing loveable about this Alice person. I couldn't even feel pity for her as an alcohol addict.
And the whole situation is not really believable: care and attention is rejected by Alice for what reason exactly? Does that make any sense? The script has some big psychological inconsistncies. And why is she an addict in the first place? The movie seems to hint to the fact that her husband is often away, but to be honest, he's not away all that much, and later in the movie this hint totally fades away.
Another fault is that the kid's character development is completely erratic. I don't at all understand what is each kid's spiritual world, what is their personality. Big "thumbs down". I don't fault the children's acting, though, I think they did a terrific job, really. It's totally the fault of the conducting of the movie and the script.
Anyway, good elements here and there, but the movie is way overrated.
Very Powerful
AngelHonesty17 December 2019
If your looking for a nice love story, this is not the film to watch. This movie is very deep; it shows what alcoholism can do to a family and the struggles of dealing with the issue. The film does a very good job in doing so. Meg Ryan is an exceptional actress and does an amazing job with her part. But the movie is a little slow going, and it's easy to lose interest while watching.
A nice attempt, but could have been a lot better
philip_vanderveken23 June 2005
When you find a Hollywood movie about alcoholism, it will very often, if not almost always, be the man of the family who has a problem. But that isn't always the truth. It has been proved that there are more and more women who are developing a drinking problem. With this movie, Hollywood finally proves that it isn't as conservative as we often like to think.
This time it is Meg Ryan's character Alice Green who has overdeveloped her taste for alcohol. When her addiction threatens her life and their daughter's safety, there is no way back for the airline pilot Michael Green and his wife, but to face the consequences of her drinking problem. She goes into therapy and overcomes her problems, but now it is the man who has to try to live with a woman who's no longer the same one he once married. He was used to have complete control over the family, but now that Alice has been cured, she can no longer accept this...
The main problem that I had with this movie was that I didn't really believe Meg Ryan. Of course she wasn't really drunk while on stage, but it also never felt real to me. It all looked too acted. Take for instance the scene where she starts throwing with eggs to that car. I just didn't buy that one. Andy Garcia was better. In my opinion he was convincing enough as the concerned house father / airline pilot and I don't really think there are many other actors who would have done a better job with this role...
Even though I find it more than OK that the studio's make a movie about the subject of alcoholism, I would like to see a more realistic version of it. With this movie I had the feeling that it all went a bit too easy to get rid of the addiction (not that I have any experience with it). What I did like on the other hand was that they also showed the repercussions on the family once she is declared sober. Overall I would say that this is a good attempt, but far from a perfect one. I know there are many people who find this movie perfect, but I really can't follow them in their opinion. The best I can do for this movie is a 6/10.
This time it is Meg Ryan's character Alice Green who has overdeveloped her taste for alcohol. When her addiction threatens her life and their daughter's safety, there is no way back for the airline pilot Michael Green and his wife, but to face the consequences of her drinking problem. She goes into therapy and overcomes her problems, but now it is the man who has to try to live with a woman who's no longer the same one he once married. He was used to have complete control over the family, but now that Alice has been cured, she can no longer accept this...
The main problem that I had with this movie was that I didn't really believe Meg Ryan. Of course she wasn't really drunk while on stage, but it also never felt real to me. It all looked too acted. Take for instance the scene where she starts throwing with eggs to that car. I just didn't buy that one. Andy Garcia was better. In my opinion he was convincing enough as the concerned house father / airline pilot and I don't really think there are many other actors who would have done a better job with this role...
Even though I find it more than OK that the studio's make a movie about the subject of alcoholism, I would like to see a more realistic version of it. With this movie I had the feeling that it all went a bit too easy to get rid of the addiction (not that I have any experience with it). What I did like on the other hand was that they also showed the repercussions on the family once she is declared sober. Overall I would say that this is a good attempt, but far from a perfect one. I know there are many people who find this movie perfect, but I really can't follow them in their opinion. The best I can do for this movie is a 6/10.
A Highly Underrated Film
bjudd1 August 1999
When first renting this film, I expected to see a typical love story. I found, instead, a film that truly attempted to accurately display what happens in relationships where one member has a drinking problem. It is powerful and shows the true pain and confusing that often looms over these situations. Rather than sending Alex to detox and having her come home happy, she came home very confused about life and what she was doing. This is one of the many ways this film reflects true life. My only qualm is the ending. Rather than keeping true to the story, the filmmakers seemed to give up and ended it on a happy, superficial note. Despite this letdown, I love this film and everything it tries to communicate.
Meg Ryan's performance is one of the underrated of the decade. She should have received on Oscar nomination for it and was certainly better than Jessica Lange that year. I have read a few comments here saying she did a terrible job. I would ask these people to define what a good performance is to them. Not only did Ryan communicate every possible feeling that a woman in Alex's situation could have, she did it with style and ease. Not only that, but made a dramatic move with this film from her already great performances in romantic comedy. Ryan should be applauded for taking such a huge risk and having it pay off.
Andy Garcia also has a tremendous performance in this film. He too displays very complex emotions of a faulted man with skill.
The one aspect of this film that I love so much is how no character is faultless in the whole situation. All members have contributed to the problem, and all must face up to what they did and try to improve what they have. I don't know if this makes much sense (I feel my thoughts are jumbled). In one simple statement: SEE THIS MOVIE. THE TITLE DOES NOT ACCURATELY DISPLAY THE MOVIE IT TRULY IS. The title makes it sound like another sappy love story. What the viewer gets is a tremendous study of the damage alcoholism can bring to a family.
Meg Ryan's performance is one of the underrated of the decade. She should have received on Oscar nomination for it and was certainly better than Jessica Lange that year. I have read a few comments here saying she did a terrible job. I would ask these people to define what a good performance is to them. Not only did Ryan communicate every possible feeling that a woman in Alex's situation could have, she did it with style and ease. Not only that, but made a dramatic move with this film from her already great performances in romantic comedy. Ryan should be applauded for taking such a huge risk and having it pay off.
Andy Garcia also has a tremendous performance in this film. He too displays very complex emotions of a faulted man with skill.
The one aspect of this film that I love so much is how no character is faultless in the whole situation. All members have contributed to the problem, and all must face up to what they did and try to improve what they have. I don't know if this makes much sense (I feel my thoughts are jumbled). In one simple statement: SEE THIS MOVIE. THE TITLE DOES NOT ACCURATELY DISPLAY THE MOVIE IT TRULY IS. The title makes it sound like another sappy love story. What the viewer gets is a tremendous study of the damage alcoholism can bring to a family.
Sorry, thumbs down from me
Junker-213 February 2000
Warning: Spoilers
Sorry to go against the grain here, but I really didn't care for this movie. My main problem is with Meg Ryan's character. She just isn't a very likeable person. She drinks, slaps her kids, drives drunk with her kids in the car, completely forgets about her kids while she's out on drinking binges...and we're supposed to feel empathy with this character?
And then, when the couple breaks up, guess who gets custody of the kids? Mom the alcoholic! How's that for a little bit of reverse sexism for you? Sorry, but this movie did very little for me.
And then, when the couple breaks up, guess who gets custody of the kids? Mom the alcoholic! How's that for a little bit of reverse sexism for you? Sorry, but this movie did very little for me.
very touchy
rux-26 August 2000
OK, 1st of all, I`m not the type who goes for this kind a movie. I have seen it accidentally by borrowing a tape from a friend of mine, years ago. When the movie started, I said I`ll give it 10-15 minutes to.... "prove itself". And it did!!! The 1st 10 minutes of the movie are excelent. When Garcia approaches Ryan and they are acting like they "go for each-other". Everybody who watches this scene for the 1st time, will definitely fall for it.
I`m not going to "yeap" about this movie. It is so good(at least I liked it) that I ended up buying it. By now, I have rewatched it a few time and I still didn`t or couldn`t get "over it". Best family drama movie I`ve ever seen. 10 out of 10.
I`m not going to "yeap" about this movie. It is so good(at least I liked it) that I ended up buying it. By now, I have rewatched it a few time and I still didn`t or couldn`t get "over it". Best family drama movie I`ve ever seen. 10 out of 10.
The thing I hate about this movie is the script.
gloryoaks29 March 2004
A husband steadfastly loves his self-centered and obnoxious wife and suffers for it. That's what I saw played out in this movie in excruciating detail. What the scriptwriters wanted us to see was a heroic woman who singlehandedly conquers her problems while putting Mr. Nice Guy Husband in his proper place (kicked out of the house, separated from his children, and generally punished for "not listening deeply" enough).
The thing I hate about this movie is the script and the skewed philosophy behind it. A faithful husband does the best he can to care for an abusive, alcoholic wife, love her, and hold his family together. He doesn't need a psychiatrist for the imagined sin of "co-dependency." He needs respect for taking responsibility for his family. That's the "for better or worse" part of marriage and the role of a parent. The wife who is so immersed in her own feelings that she is willing to let her daughters suffer the loss of their Daddy just to try to make herself feel better--that woman doesn't need understanding. She needs to get a handle on reality and see how many lives she is damaging.
This was not about the husband loving his wife too much. It was about the wife loving her husband and children too little. While we generally look at the world in shades of grey, I find it impossible to see the scriptwriters' version of marriage in anything but black and white clarity. Even the contrived ending was less than believable, and not in the least satisfying.
Andy Garcia and the older daughter gave beautiful performances. In fact, they were the reason I stayed with the movie to the end. Meg Ryan's cute persona did not work well here, but the smallness and pettishness of the wife came across. Meg was sufficiently mean to her children and coldly cruel to her husband to evoke distaste in the viewer.
I am amazed that Meg Ryan is still so proud of this movie.
The thing I hate about this movie is the script and the skewed philosophy behind it. A faithful husband does the best he can to care for an abusive, alcoholic wife, love her, and hold his family together. He doesn't need a psychiatrist for the imagined sin of "co-dependency." He needs respect for taking responsibility for his family. That's the "for better or worse" part of marriage and the role of a parent. The wife who is so immersed in her own feelings that she is willing to let her daughters suffer the loss of their Daddy just to try to make herself feel better--that woman doesn't need understanding. She needs to get a handle on reality and see how many lives she is damaging.
This was not about the husband loving his wife too much. It was about the wife loving her husband and children too little. While we generally look at the world in shades of grey, I find it impossible to see the scriptwriters' version of marriage in anything but black and white clarity. Even the contrived ending was less than believable, and not in the least satisfying.
Andy Garcia and the older daughter gave beautiful performances. In fact, they were the reason I stayed with the movie to the end. Meg Ryan's cute persona did not work well here, but the smallness and pettishness of the wife came across. Meg was sufficiently mean to her children and coldly cruel to her husband to evoke distaste in the viewer.
I am amazed that Meg Ryan is still so proud of this movie.
A Masterpiece
MeanCreekfan4 May 2002
When A Man Loves A Woman is one of the most heart wrenching , wonderful , beautifully written films I have ever seen. This movie has been sitting on my movie shelf for years because it is one of my mother's favorite movies. I am a big Meg Ryan fan so I popped it in the VCR one day when I was bored and I was moritified. Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia give Academy Award callibar preformances as a husband and wife going through alcoholism. This is definately Meg Ryan at her very best. I would recommend this movie to anyone who has a heart
A one in a million film which portrays an issue felt by many.
elly98929 December 2001
"When a man loves a woman" is a truly terrific film that allows the audience to interact with the emotional struggles of all of the characters particularly Alice, Michael and the children. Every emotion is conveyed with such effectiveness and a realistic portrayal of the struggles of a family torn apart by addiction is allowed to be told without sensationalism. It is not, as some suggest, information based without any entertainment value. Rather this film confronts the audience with the fact that love is not perfect, that love is a all in all whirlwind of emotions that are unpredictable and complex.
It was a surprising performance by Ryan who usually fulfils the predictable role in a romantic comedy. Garcia, as usual was brilliant, his characters demand a presence on the screen and he does not disappoint.
The helplessness of both Alice and Michael is played out well. Further the portrayal of Alice having an addictive personality that is fueled by alcohol is also convincing. This idea emerges in the scene of the eggs being thrown over the car, which is often criticised by others in these comments. This scene did have a role to play and aligned with others that suggested that Alice thought that she was only loved when she was doing something fun and crazy. Being boring was something very much feared by Alice.
This film is a psychological drama with the essential element of romance to assure the complete attention of its audience. Great film, Great cast.
It was a surprising performance by Ryan who usually fulfils the predictable role in a romantic comedy. Garcia, as usual was brilliant, his characters demand a presence on the screen and he does not disappoint.
The helplessness of both Alice and Michael is played out well. Further the portrayal of Alice having an addictive personality that is fueled by alcohol is also convincing. This idea emerges in the scene of the eggs being thrown over the car, which is often criticised by others in these comments. This scene did have a role to play and aligned with others that suggested that Alice thought that she was only loved when she was doing something fun and crazy. Being boring was something very much feared by Alice.
This film is a psychological drama with the essential element of romance to assure the complete attention of its audience. Great film, Great cast.
See also
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