8 ½ Women 1999
"If every man thinks of sex once every nine minutes, what does he think of the other eight?"
Peter Greenaway's audacious 1999 drama-comedy 8 ½ Women (1999) dives into a world where grief and desire collide in unexpected ways.
Director: Peter Greenaway
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 8 ½ Women (1999) about?
After the death of his wife, middle-aged businessman Philip Emmenthal and his son Storey invite eight-and-a-half women from Kyoto into their Geneva home. Each woman brings a unique personality and perspective, leading to a year of personal growth, unexpected power shifts, and a redefinition of their relationships.
Who directed 8 ½ Women?
Peter Greenaway, the acclaimed director known for his visually striking and thematically rich films like *The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover* and *The Pillow Book*, helmed 8 ½ Women.
Who stars in 8 ½ Women?
The film features John Standing as Philip Emmenthal, Matthew Delamere as his son Storey, and standout performances from Vivian Wu, Annie Shizuka Inoh, and Toni Collette.
Is 8 ½ Women (1999) worth watching?
If you enjoy Peter Greenaway's signature blend of dark comedy, surrealism, and deep thematic exploration, 8 ½ Women is absolutely worth your time. Its quirky premise and visually sumptuous style make it a unique experience, though its unorthodox approach may not appeal to all viewers.
How long is 8 ½ Women?
The runtime of 8 ½ Women is 121 minutes, or just over two hours of provocative storytelling.
🎥 Trailer
About 8 ½ Women (1999) — Peter Greenaway's provocative exploration of desire and power
Peter Greenaway's audacious 1999 drama-comedy 8 ½ Women (1999) dives into a world where grief and desire collide in unexpected ways. After losing his wife, Swiss businessman Philip Emmenthal and his playboy son Storey transform their Geneva villa into a haven for eight-and-a-half distinct women—each brought from Kyoto, each embodying a different facet of femininity and power. Among them are a determined nun, a scholar of Kabuki theater, a fearless horsewoman with her pet pig, a gambler, and a nurturing mother-to-be. As months pass, these women begin to reshape the household dynamic, challenging the men's expectations and asserting their own agency in this eccentric, visually rich tale.
With its blend of dark humor and philosophical musings, 8 ½ Women weaves a tapestry of themes centered on love, loss, and the complexities of modern relationships. Greenaway's signature style shines through in the film's lavish set pieces and quirky characterizations, creating an atmosphere that's both provocative and strangely poetic. Starring John Standing as the grieving patriarch and Matthew Delamere as his restless son, alongside standout performances from Vivian Wu, Annie Shizuka Inoh, and Toni Collette, this unconventional exploration of masculinity and femininity invites viewers into a surreal yet thought-provoking journey.