Blue Jasmine

THE GIST: Former New York socialite Jasmine's marriage ended when her husband committed suicide in jail while serving a sentence for money fraud. His crimes also meant financial ruin, which lead Jasmine to a nervous breakdown. She now travels to San Francisco, to stay with her sister, still feeling entitled even if broke, still taking a lot of medication for his nerves, and still drinking a lot. She's also quite opinionated about her sister's life choices.

Written and directed by Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine is a real cinematic pearl, featuring a magnificent Cate Blanchett firing on all pistons, which deservedly resulted in a Best Lead Actress Oscar.

She's flanked by a great Sally Hawkins, nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Stuhlbarg, Peter Sarsgaard, and Alden Ehrenreich.

Allen's screenplay was nominated for an Oscar as well.

THE BOTTOM LINE: For a cinema lover like myself, films like these are a real elixir. They are the reason to keep scouring the medium for more superb works like these. I simply loved it!

Grade: 9