Le Rêve de Cassandre

This is Woody, but at the same time it isn’t Woody. It’s like something by some nastily cynical filmmaker who doesn’t have the best opinion about the current state of morality in Western society. This certainly is no regular Allen movie, but then again, I wouldn’t say that you can’t tell he made it. I’m not denying that I would rather have seen this on stage where imho it belongs, but then again I would be robbed of the opportunity of enjoying the traditionally great work of Philip Glass. But the music isn’t the best thing about this. The best thing is easily the central actor duo. Those two should act in something together again some time. Despite their different accents, they were convincing as brothers more than anybody else I’ve seen in recent times. So my fears that I would see more McGregor and Farrell than Ian and Terry were unfounded. (20/07/2008)

Casandra's Dream is not a typical crime or detective story, it is rather a psychological drama about two ambitious young people, a businessman in the family, and a person who hinders their family's happiness. Above all, it is a film about dealing with one's guilt, a unique variation of Crime and Punishment. During this period, Woody Allen moved away from his old neurotic comedies and continued in the line set by the drama Match Point. It is not as strong as his previous film with a crime plot, but as a psychodrama about morality, it works well and Woody Allen maintains a high standard of work. Additionally, and this is once again confirmed in this case, he works with an elite cast. Both actors in the main roles give their best performance and consider their participation in Woody Allen's project an honor. Overall impression: 75%. (04/01/2011)

I really don’t know Allen’s movies at all and I readily admit that I only watched Cassandra’s Dream for the choice cast. Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell are both perfect and anybody would believe they are brothers. I was a little surprised that it was Farrell who was the bigger chicken of the pair. The story isn’t at all complicated or overly psychological, but it’s a pleasantly unwinding drama about problems and their solutions. Maybe it hasn’t got all is needs for a clear 5, but thanks to the music by Phillip Glass I can go a bit higher. (18/04/2008)

An uninteresting drama that very blatantly points out the sophistication of ancient sin transplanted to the present day. Allen-esque disappointment all the way. And McGregor's dating the likes of Ashley Madekwe and Hayley Atwell. (02/10/2016)

Woody's slow-moving English affair, taking its time for an hour with careful character building, only to pick up a faster (but not fast) pace and head towards an ending that made me give it a fifth star. (23/05/2010)

Après Scoop, une comédie déjantée dans son style traditionnel, le divin Woody se lance dans quelque chose de plus sérieux. Quelque chose dans Le Rêve de Cassandra rappelle Match Point de façon voyante, à savoir les deux héros principaux. En effet, j’ai trouvé des points communs entre le personnage de Colin Farrel et celui de Scarlett Johansson dans Match Point, tandis que le personnage d’Ewan McGregor se rapproche du séducteur Rhys-Meyers. Woody semble vouloir montrer – et montre – qu’à part des comédies pleines d’humour fin, il est aussi capable de tourner des drames humains. La tension monte réellement et moi, je trépignais de savoir où l’histoire allait mener. Je n’ai rien à redire par rapport au récit, mais j’ai été plus emballé par Match Point. Et maintenant, fonçons voir Vicky Cristina Barcelona ! (18/10/2008)