8 ½ Women (1999): cast, story & where to watch
1999 · Film · ★ 5.5
Released in 1999, 8 ½ Women is a comedy and drama film directed by Peter Greenaway, running about 118 minutes. “When sexual desire becomes an obsession, it's every man for himself.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. After the death of his wife, wealthy businessman Philip Emmenthal and his son Storey open their own private harem in their family residence in Geneva (they get the idea while watching Federico Fellini's 8½ and after Storey is "given" a woman, Simato (Inoh), to waive her pachinko debts). They sign one-year contracts with eight (and a half) women to this effect. The women each have a gimmick (one is a nun, another a kabuki performer, etc.). Philip soon becomes dominated by his favourite of the concubines, Palmira, who has no interest in Storey as a lover, despite what their contract might stipulate. Philip dies, the concubines' contracts expire, and Storey is left alone with Giulietta (the titular "½", played by Fujiwara) and of course the money and the houses.
Who’s in it. 8 ½ Women stars John Standing as Philip Emmenthal, Matthew Delamere as Storey Emmenthal, Vivian Wu as Kito and Annie Shizuka Inoh as Simato, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.5/10, 8 ½ Women has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch 8 ½ Women page.
If you liked it. Fans of 8 ½ Women tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch 8 ½ Women (1999)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for 8 ½ Women change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is 8 ½ Women worth watching?
- 8 ½ Women holds an audience score of 5.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy comedy and drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in 8 ½ Women?
- 8 ½ Women stars John Standing, Matthew Delamere, Vivian Wu, Annie Shizuka Inoh and Toni Collette.
- When was 8 ½ Women released?
- 8 ½ Women was released in 1999, with a runtime of about 118 minutes.