The humid New Orleans air hangs heavy, thick with unspoken words. A mischievous glint dances in Alice Green’s eyes as she playfully teases Michael over breakfast, their laughter echoing in the sun-drenched kitchen. But beneath the surface of this idyllic scene, a tremor runs deep. The camera lingers on Alice’s hand, shaking slightly as she reaches for her coffee, laced a little too strong with something more than caffeine. Later, at the bustling airport where Michael works as an airline pilot, he banters easily with his co-pilot Gary, but his gaze keeps drifting back to a series of worried text messages from Jessica, their eldest daughter. The words are veiled, innocent on the surface, but a chilling undercurrent hints at the chaos brewing back home. Emily, Alice’s mother, arrives unexpectedly, her face etched with concern as she witnesses Alice’s increasingly erratic behavior, realizing the family is teetering on the edge of an abyss, threatening to swallow them whole.
Movie Overview
Title | When a Man Loves a Woman |
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Release Date | 1994-04-29 |
Runtime | 126 minutes |
Genre | Drama, Romance |
Movie Cast
Name | Character |
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Andy García | Michael Green |
Meg Ryan | Alice Green |
Tina Majorino | Jessica Green |
Philip Seymour Hoffman | Gary |
Lauren Tom | Amy |
Mae Whitman | Casey Green |
Ellen Burstyn | Emily |
Eugene Roche | Walter |
Gail Strickland | Pam |
Steven Brill | Madras Tie Guy |
Susanna Thompson | Janet |
Erinn Canavan | Shannon |
LaTanya Richardson Jackson | Dr. Gina Mendez |
Bari K. Willerford | Malcolm |
James Jude Courtney | Earl |
Jacques De Groot | Guy in the Back |
Anne Ohliger | Jess – 4 Yrs. Old |
Tony Montero | Bartender |
Cynthia Mace | De-tox Nurse |
Jennie Yee | Vu |
William Frankfather | Al-anon Leader |
Ellen Geer | Woman at Al-Anon |
Angelina Fiordellisi | Joanna |
Elizabeth Lang | AA Woman |
Syd Field | Patient #1 |
Peer Ebbighausen | Patient #2 |
Ronald Bass | AA Man #1 |
Joe Drago | AA Man #2 |
Andrew Magarian | AA Man #3 |
Amy Treese | AA Woman #2 |
Brandis Kemp | AA Woman #3 |
Judith Friend | AA Woman #4 |
Deana Kobrynski | AA Woman #5 |
Rico E. Anderson | Barfly (uncredited) |
Lena Banks | Nurse (uncredited) |
Richard Bradford | Angry Man Watching TV (uncredited) |
Al Franken | Co-Pilot (uncredited) |
Craig Richards | Patient #3 (uncredited) |
Reed Rudy | Angry Guy (uncredited) |
Joseph Quinn Simpkins | Barfly (uncredited) |
Storyline
In the picturesque suburbs of California, airline pilot Michael Green and his wife, Alice Green, seemingly live a charmed life with their two daughters, Jessica and Casey. However, beneath the veneer of domestic bliss lies a dark secret: Alice’s debilitating alcoholism. The film opens with a harrowing scene where Alice’s addiction spirals out of control, endangering Jessica’s life and forcing Michael to confront the gravity of the situation. Determined to save his family, Michael convinces Alice to enter a detox facility, a decision that forces him to confront his own enabling behavior. As Alice battles her demons within the sterile walls of rehab, finding solace and support in group therapy with individuals like Gary, Michael grapples with the painful reality of his co-dependency and the gradual erosion of their marriage. Upon Alice’s return, the power dynamic shifts. She begins to assert herself and question the patriarchal roles she’s adhered to. She is encouraged by her friend Amy, to be independent. Michael struggles with this newfound independence, leading to heated arguments and moments of profound vulnerability. Ultimately, they realize that their love, though deeply tested, is worth fighting for, and they embark on a challenging journey of rediscovery, learning to love each other anew, not as enabler and dependent, but as equals. The film concludes with a tentative sense of hope, underscoring the enduring power of love and the possibility of redemption, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Details
In the emotionally charged drama, “When a Man Loves a Woman,” airline pilot Michael Green, portrayed by Andy Garcia, finds his seemingly perfect life unraveling as his wife, Alice Green, played by Meg Ryan, battles a severe alcohol addiction. The story unfolds in their comfortable suburban home and the stark environments of rehabilitation centers, highlighting the contrasting facades of their life. As Alice’s addiction spirals out of control, threatening the safety of their children, including the young Jessica Green (Tina Majorino), Michael is forced to confront the painful truth about Alice and, more importantly, his own enabling behavior. Alice’s journey towards sobriety is fraught with challenges, compelling her to re-evaluate her relationships and her sense of self, ultimately leading to difficult yet necessary changes in the family dynamic. The film delves deep into the complexities of codependency and the shifting power dynamics within a marriage when one partner seeks recovery. Through group therapy sessions and raw, honest confrontations, the film examines themes of addiction, recovery, and the enduring strength of love when tested by unimaginable hardships. Amidst this turmoil, the presence of characters such as Gary (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a friend and confidant, underscores the importance of support systems in navigating the difficult path to healing and rebuilding trust. Lauren Tom, portraying Amy, offers a grounded perspective as a fellow participant in Alice’s support group, further emphasizing the shared struggles and the fragile bonds formed in the face of adversity.
FAQs
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What is the movie “When a Man Loves a Woman” about?
The film explores a marriage challenged by the wife’s alcoholism and the husband’s enabling behavior. It follows their journey through detox and recovery, forcing them to confront difficult truths about themselves and their relationship.
Who are the main actors in the movie?
The main cast includes Andy Garcia as Michael Green and Meg Ryan as Alice Green.
What genres does this movie fall under?
This movie is primarily categorized as a Drama and Romance.
When was “When a Man Loves a Woman” released?
The movie was released on April 29, 1994.
What is the runtime of the movie?
The movie has a runtime of 126 minutes.
Who directed “When a Man Loves a Woman”?
Luis Mandoki directed the movie.
Which production company was involved in making this movie?
Touchstone Pictures produced the movie.
What is the original language of the film?
The original language of the film is English.
Is “When a Man Loves a Woman” suitable for all audiences?
The movie explores mature themes such as addiction and marital struggles. Consider this when determining if it’s suitable for younger viewers.
What is the tagline of the movie?
The tagline is: Through the good times. Through the bad times. When a Man Loves a Woman it’s for all times.
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