Today’s quick review: Love and Death. Boris Grushenko (Woody Allen), the son of a Russian farmer, faces danger and death when he is recruited into the army to fight Napoleon’s invading forces. Reining in his natural cowardice, Boris manages to distinguish himself on the battlefield and return home to Sonja (Diane Keaton), the love of his life. But in spite of their love, Boris and Sonja struggle to find happiness in an uncertain world.
Love and Death is a romantic comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. 19th-century Russia serves as the backdrop for a reluctant soldier’s journey through war, love, and social upheaval. Love and Death showcases the breadth of Woody Allen’s talents. The script features a wide range of humor, the acting and comedic timing are polished, and the story manages to feel satisfying in spite of its meandering nature.
More generally, Love and Death has a wonderful sense of proportion. It sprinkles in colorful characters and slapstick, historical humor and philosophy, wordplay and social commentary, all at the right places and in the right quantities. The variety keeps the tone light and breezy, while the humor has the insight it needs to keep the audience engaged throughout. Finally, Woody Allen and Diane Keaton play off each other with energy and skill.
Love and Death will appeal to a broad range of fans. The humor is broad enough to have something for everyone, while the touches of philosophy and more meaningful commentary will appeal to fans of that side of Woody Allen’s work. Give it a shot when you’re in the mood for something pleasant and absurd. Steer clear if you dislike Woody Allen or are looking for a more emotional story.
For a more fatalistic comedy set in historical Russia, try The Twelve Chairs. For a more colorful comedy with something of the same humor, try A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. For a more exaggerated comedy, try Life of Brian. For a similar style of humor from Woody Allen, try Sleeper or Bananas. For a farther-reaching historical comedy, try History of the World: Part I.
[7.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073312/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for expert comedy.