Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- earnest
- tense
- poignant
- reflective evening
- relationship drama night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's emotionally serious treatment of alcoholism's impact on marriage and its strong performances, while some found it overly prolonged or didactic.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Alice's alcoholism destabilizes Michael, their marriage, and the entire Green family, while Michael must confront his own role in the relationship.
The plot follows not only Alice's alcoholism and therapy but also the family's difficult adaptation to her recovery.
Jessica and Casey's experiences provide an important perspective on Alice and Michael's marital crisis.
Treatment, counseling, candid confrontations, and sustained attention to family communication shape the film's dramatic approach.
Films like When a Man Loves a Woman, and why
The Days of Wine and Roses
marriage under severe emotional strain, addiction-related conflict, and compassionate dramatic performances
28 Days
intimate relationship drama centered on alcoholism, recovery, and the difficult rebuilding of trust
The Lost Weekend
earnest domestic drama about addiction's effects on family bonds and personal responsibility
The Bridges of Madison County
emotionally direct romance and family drama focused on troubled adults trying to repair a relationship
Movie Details
- Director
- Luis Mandoki
- Release Date
- 1994-04-29
- Runtime
- 126 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (401)
Cast
- Andy Garcia
- Meg Ryan
- Ellen Burstyn
- Tina Majorino
- Mae Whitman
- Lauren Tom
- Philip Seymour Hoffman
- Eugene Roche
- Gail Strickland
- Steven Brill
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is When a Man Loves a Woman about?
- A devoted marriage must confront the long, painful work of living with alcoholism and rebuilding trust after recovery begins.
- What is When a Man Loves a Woman like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of When a Man Loves a Woman as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is When a Man Loves a Woman violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in When a Man Loves a Woman as mild.
- What did critics think of When a Man Loves a Woman?
- Critics broadly praised the film's emotionally serious treatment of alcoholism's impact on marriage and its strong performances, while some found it overly prolonged or didactic.
- Which films are like When a Man Loves a Woman?
- Films with a similar feel include The Days of Wine and Roses, 28 Days, The Lost Weekend, and The Bridges of Madison County.
- How long is When a Man Loves a Woman?
- When a Man Loves a Woman runs 126 minutes.
- Where can I watch When a Man Loves a Woman?
- In United States, When a Man Loves a Woman streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
