8 ½ Women (1999)
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When sexual desire becomes an obsession, it's every man for himself.
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.
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Top billed cast
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John StandingPhilip Emmenthal
Matthew DelamereStorey Emmenthal
Vivian WuKito
Annie Shizuka InohSimato
Toni ColletteGriselda
Claire JohnstonAmelia, Philip's Wife
Polly WalkerPalmira
Amanda PlummerBeryl
Elizabeth BerringtonCeleste
Don WarringtonSimonKirina ManoMioManna FujiwaraGiulietta/Half WomanKeywords
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Viewing momentFrequently asked questions about 8 ½ Women
What is 8 ½ Women 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.
How long is 8 ½ Women?
8 ½ Women has a runtime of 118 minutes.
Where can I watch 8 ½ Women?
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