Love and Death is a 1975 film written and directed by Woody Allen, who also stars in the lead role. The film is a satirical comedy that parodies Russian novels and historical films. 

Plot

The film is set in 19th-century Russia and follows the adventures of Boris Grushenko (played by Woody Allen), a neurotic and inept Russian army officer. Boris gets involved in a series of events that lead him to inadvertently participate in the war against Napoleon Bonaparte (played by James Tolkan).

In his adventure, Boris meets Sonja (played by Diane Keaton), a cousin with patriotic and philosophical ambitions. Together, they attempt to sabotage Napoleon's plans and end up becoming unintentional heroes.

The plot is a satire that blends elements of comedy, philosophy, and historical parody. The film draws inspiration from the works of Russian authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky but presents them in a comedic and absurd manner.

"Love and Death" is known for its clever humor and unique take on Russian history and profound philosophical themes. Woody Allen and Diane Keaton deliver memorable comedic performances.

Complete Cast:

• Woody Allen as Boris Grushenko
• Diane Keaton as Sonja
• Georges Adet as Old Nehamkin
• Frank Adu as Sergeant
• Edmond Ardisson as Sonja's Father
• Féodor Atkine as Mikhail
• Yves Barsacq as Rimsky
• Lloyd Battista as Don Francisco
• Jack Berard as Vassily
• Eva Betrand as Ivana

Director: Woody Allen

Producer: Charles H. Joffe

Writer: Woody Allen

Music: Sergei Prokofiev and other classical composers

Cinematographer: Ghislain Cloquet

Production Cost: Not publicly disclosed.

Box Office: Approximately $20 million at the box office.

Awards: It did not receive any notable awards.

Critics' Reception: "Love and Death" is often regarded as one of Woody Allen's finest comedy films, featuring a mix of slapstick, literary, and philosophical parody. Critics have praised the film for its witty humor and the performances of Allen and Keaton. It is seen as a bridge between Allen's earlier, lighter comedies and his later, more serious and philosophical works.

My opinion. It is still an immature early Allen film, but the comedy is all there and the film is still enjoyable today. The Tolstoyan atmosphere parodied here comes across as funny, but, at times, too simplistic. It alternates funny and clever gags with obvious and trite jokes, but, all in all, the result is decent. Allen has always chosen, for life and for some of his films of the 1970s and 1980s, rather complicated women. First, as in this film, Diane Keaton, then Mia Farrow. Charming women, good actresses, but a little out of role for his comedy films. They act well, they are pretty, but they are not particularly suited for comedy films: they appear too serious.

These criticisms aside, the film is perhaps worth rewatching despite being slightly dated in both comedy and story.