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The Purple Rose of Cairo
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
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  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Gene Siskel
    100
    A cornball adventure film about a dashing young explorer mixing with New York cafe society types. What a delightfully complicated fantasy film this is. What Woody Allen has done with The Purple Rose of Cairo is create a classic film about our love affair with fantasy. [28 Jun 1985, p.1]
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  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Vincent Canby
    100
    I'll go out on a limb: I can't believe the year will bring forth anything to equal The Purple Rose of Cairo. At 84 minutes, it's short but nearly every one of those minutes is blissful.
  3. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    88
    Allen has done better than this, but The Purple Rose of Cairo is a sweet little film and an interesting diversion for his legion of followers.
  4. Empire
    Reviewed by: David Parkinson
    80
    Mia Farrow is note-perfect in this charming little movie.
  5. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Michael Blowen
    75
    The Purple Rose of Cairo, Woody Allen's tender Valentine to the movies, features poignant performances by Jeff Daniels and Mia Farrow. In the critical rush to canonize Allen, it's easy to forget how far Farrow has come as an actress. [31 May 1985, p.27]
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  6. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    50
    Tale is a light, almost frivolous treatment of a serious theme, as Woody Allen here confronts the unalterable fact that life just doesn't turn out the way it does (or did) in Hollywood films. For all its situational goofiness, pic is a tragedy, and it's too bad Allen didn't build up the characters and drama sufficiently to give some weight to his concerns.
  7. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    30
    Woody Allen's naive notions of art--he thinks it means a story with a moral--might have some primitive charm if he didn't put them forward so self-importantly.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. J-Shap
    9
    Allen at his most romantic (in terms of romanticism) about film, TPROC is as sweet as a film could be, without being sugary. It's funny, sad, romantic, and quite zany, and catches Allen at his most Chaplinesque. I feel I'm about using the word 'magical' in a review, but I'll generate a substitute for the word, and use that instead.… Full Review »
  2. JayH
    8
    Woody Allen never ceases to amaze me. His imagination and humor are so admirable. This film is so unusual and incredibly creative. Enthralling even. It never fails to fascinate and in many ways it is brilliant. My only gripe is the two leads. I think Mia Farrow and Jeff Daniels are too bland, better casting would have helped. The rest of the cast is terrific though, especially Zoe Caldwell.… Full Review »
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