The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

The critic sees the film as a fond if slight bittersweet love letter to movie fans and the escapism of the Depression era. Mia Farrow is singled out as impeccable in portraying a crushed spirit reliant on fantasy.

The film is audacious and witty, using the premise to explore reality versus fantasy in a clever way. Ebert praises the intelligent wit, charm of the leads, and how Allen makes viewers laugh and think deeply about why people go to the movies.

Kael reviews the film as part of her Current Cinema column alongside another title. She examines Allen's playful take on characters stepping out of a movie screen and its implications for fantasy and reality.

The film is pure enchantment, a sweet, lyrically funny and multilayered work that ranks among Allen's best. Canby highlights the logical extension of fantasy into reality and the glowing performance by Mia Farrow.

The critic praises Woody Allen's deft script for exploring the bizarre relationship between a downtrodden housewife and a film character who steps off the screen, along with the reactions of the other characters left behind. Farrow and Daniels are commended for their work with fantastic emotions, and Allen's direction is noted for its care, wit and warmth that make the film genuinely moving.

The tale offers a light, almost frivolous treatment of a serious theme about life not matching Hollywood fantasies, resulting in a tragedy that lacks sufficient dramatic weight. Farrow is excellent, but the characters remain thin.

The critic calls the film one of Woody Allen's very best and a uniquely satisfying departure from his usual style. He singles out its brilliant use of magical realism to explore the line between fiction and reality, especially the contrast with the Great Depression setting and the lead performance by Mia Farrow.