Three Oscar-winning actresses have a go at one of playwright Beth Henley's southern-fried comedies, and cook up an agreeable gumbo. In the town of Hazelhurst, Mississippi, Diane Keaton dithers her birthday away as one sist... more »er (Jessica Lange) returns from a flopped attempt at a singing career in Hollywood, and the other sister (Sissy Spacek) languishes in jail after shooting her abusive hubby. Truth be told, all three have been a little touched in the head ever since the long-past day when their mother hanged herself along with the family cat. Bruce Beresford provides the workmanlike direction, and Sam Shepard and Tess Harper contribute supporting turns. But this one's all about the three skillful stars, who eschew showboating and defer to each other with real grace--they have the rhythms of family conversation down pat, and they embody the glances and sighs of sisterhood, rather than acting them. --Robert Horton« less
Kristina A. from ST PETERSBURG, FL Reviewed on 6/30/2024...
I don't normally leave reviews, but I am at a complete loss to understand how you can take a PULITZER PRIZE WINNING play, hire 3 of the top female actresses of the time, and yet end up with a film this dreadfully muddled and downright disappointing. A Streetcar Named Desire, this is not. Really, don't bother.
Cynthia C. from MESQUITE, TX Reviewed on 10/18/2013...
SO wonderful! Besides loving all three of the main actesses, their portrayal of small southern town life is spot on....and hysterical! Always makes me cry, too!
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Movie Reviews
Up-close and intimate
Martyn Richard Jones | Cordoba, Spain | 10/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The films I watch tend to be action films of the likes of Arnie, Stallone and Gibson et al. So it may come as a surprise that I say that I think this film is a real gem. So why do I think that? Well, for a start it's just a pure delight from start to end. Great acting, great directing, great storyline. It's a southern story played out with charm, elegance and humanity. It's really very diificult to say exactly why one likes this movie because it really is a special personal experience that covers so many things, from aspects of motivation, the way the characters reflect and even just their accents. I will never forget those simple lines "oh babe why did you do it" and the replies, or the "she was just having a very bad day" lines too. It's a very personal film, laid back, up-close, intimate, soft, a work of art. Brilliant acting, brilliant direction and brilliant script - lovely film."
Sweet and Endearing
Lisa Verson | Dayton, OH | 08/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie, to me, was truly wonderful. It pulls you in and makes you want to keep watching. The comedy is wonderful, as is the drama. Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange, and Sissy Spacek are wonderful as three sisters who are reunited because of something that happens. Sam Shepard has a wonderful supporting role as 'Doc'. All of the actors were terrific in this movie. If you like dramas and comedies mixed into one, then definitely rent or buy this movie. You won't regret it! Three Oscar winning actresses in the leading roles, a wonderful storyline, and a wonderful play-turned-into-a-movie."
Great movie
Ralph R. Echtinaw | Alma, MI United States | 07/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Usually when I sense that the actors had a great time making a movie, the result isn't particularly noteworthy. ("Cannonball Run" comes to mind.) But "Crimes of the Heart" is an exception. If Jessica Lange, Diane Keaton and Sissy Spacek weren't absolutely delighted to tackle the lead roles in this film, they are much better actors than I thought.The material is reminiscent of Flannery O'Connor, who wrote some of the most humorous, offbeat Southern fiction extant.The three sisters are so controlled by their visceral reactions that one wonders if any of them have ever had an intellectual moment. Although it would be maddening to have such people for friends, they're great instruments for movie comedy.One final note: If anyone thinks Sissy Spacek is goofy-looking (as I used to), they will change their mind when they see her in this. She is absolutely gorgeous here."
Always makes me smile
cindysd | 07/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've seen this movie about 5 or 6 times. After each viewing, I always feel good. Yes, it's kind of strange and sad, but Diane, Sissy and Jessica are fabulous. Tess Harper as Chick and Sam Shephard as Doc round out a superb cast. If you're in the mood for something a little different to curl up with, watch Crimes of the Heart!"
Very entertaining!
the apollo review | USA | 07/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Typically films that blend comedy and drama don't come off very well. They have a tendency to swing from one extreme to the other without establishing a happy medium. "Crimes of the Heart" is not like that at all. The blend of comedy and drama is smooth and effortless. Basically the premise is a look at the relationship between the quirky Magrath sisters in the small town of Hazlehurst Mississippi. Elder sister Lenny (Diane Keaton) is an aging spinster with little experience with men. Middle sister Meg (Jessica Lange) has had more than her fair share of men and scandals that result. Youngest sister Babe (Sissy Spacek) has just shot her abusive husband and is facing a lengthy prison term if convicted. It is this event that brings the sisters together where their idiosyncrasies and past resentments surface and set the stage for some amusing confrontations and revelations. To me this film is synonymous with a warm hug as the atmosphere is very welcoming and familiar and as viewers we can really feel like a part of the Magrath sister's world. The performances are terrific and very natural. There's no impression of upstaging or attention mongering. The three leads act with each other as opposed to acting "at" each other. Tess Harper and Sam Shepard complete the film with their supporting turns. This is a great film that gets better with additional viewings and interestingly enough becomes more compelling and entertaining. Lots of fun!"