It has its flaws but when it soars it soars and that makes up for everything.

Does anyone open a film better than Woody Allen? Whether it be a brilliant opening scene giving the viewer an idea of what is to follow or a fantastic opening monologue, Woody Allen has the ability to bring me into his films in their opening seconds like no other filmmaker can. Manhattan opens with that signature perfect voice- over narration that I am starting to associate with Woody Allen. Manhattan was my 6th outing with the auteur and one that I am immeasurably thankful for. There was a time in my life before I saw Manhattan and the time of my life after I saw Manhattan; the line distinguishing those two points in my life is becoming quite clear. There's nothing I like more than watching a film and knowing immediately it is going to have a profound impact on your life as a cinephile. I rarely have that experience with most films making themselves known as turning points in my life long after their credits roll. Manhattan was the 1979 installment of prolific director Woody Allen's film-a-year career. Detailing the feelings of love's uncertainty in a remarkably down to earth way, Manhattan is beautiful in no small part to its simplicity.Isaac (Woody Allen) is a forty-something writer who has a better romantic relationship with his hometown of Manhattan than he ever has with a woman in his life. Isaac is currently carrying on a relationship with a 17-year old girl that he is only half invested in because he sees the relationship as doomed to fail due to their age difference. His partner Tracy (Mariel Hemingway), however, is fully invested in their romance and realizes that she is falling in love with Isaac. After dealing with an ex-wife who divorced Isaac after realizing she was a lesbian deciding to write a book about their marriage, quitting his job as a writer for a television comedy, and believing he may be romantically interested in the woman his best friend is having an affair with, Isaac ends his relationship with Tracy in hopes of a revelation through self- discovery and a relationship with a woman his age. Isaac soon realizes that there does not exist one universal formula for a successful life, and even if there did, he probably wouldn't be satisfied with it.Woody Allen is one of my favorite filmmakers. The way he can weave a story through a theme of the uncertainty of the self and the meaning of life has always pleased this existentialist. Woody Allen manages to bring these issues to every film I've seen of his thus far in a new and innovative way which has inspired me to work my way through his entire filmography. What I was not prepared for before I watched Manhattan was how beautiful of a film Woody Allen is capable of. There are certain themes one conjures up when considering Woody Allen, among them, neurotic Jewish characters, self-aware nervous individuals, death, and bitingly quick film writing. I was pleasantly surprised just how gorgeous Manhattan was. Making the decision to shoot the film in black and white and providing subtly brilliant shots shows Allen's prowess as a director. Certain shots have stayed with me since I finished the film two days ago, for instance, the lighting in the planetarium scene when Isaac is trying to decide how he feels about his new muse, the shot through the blinds when Isaac is on the phone, Tracy sitting on the couch in the left corner of the screen as Isaac descends a set of stairs from the right corner of the screen, the shot of the couple on Isaac's television show seen arguing through wires from the ceiling, and of course the iconic shot of the Queensboro Bridge which adorns the film's poster, are all images that are beautiful in what they convey in each moment of the film--and images I can't forget. Woody Allen asks a serious question in Manhattan--"What makes life worth living", well, part of my answer is: Woody Allen films.

I love Manhattan. Seriously, this is far better than Annie Hall (okay, not everyone may agree) and it's a movie I can watch regularly. Sure, some are critical of it being in black and white, but that gives it the necessary charm to be a classic. Manhattan is timeless.If you're a devotee of Fast and the Furious, then this movie isn't for you so please move on.The way Woody Allen explores the interweaving relationships is revealing and even entertaining. The Gershwin soundtrack gives it the necessary sweeping emotional landscape. For those who like Manhattan, you have to see Manhattan Murder Mystery, you won't be disappointed.

Nobody denies what a superb director Woody Allen is his status is that of America's premier director in my opinion and if your familiar with his work then surely you must agree with me if I said that Manhattan is his greatest work? There is only one word that can be used to describe this film and that is a true masterpiece both intellectually and visually. In my opinion this film shows Woody Allen at the absolute peak of his career, its shot in Black and White but yet in Widescreen format and it really worked well it makes for breathtaking cinematography. I must say that even Woody Allen's command of the situation and the dialogue are just really top notch if possible even better than his usual legendary performances. There is a real bitter-sweet heartfelt angst between each of the characters. I think this film is a real tribute from Woody Allen to the city he loved so much.