I was pleasantly surprised at how hilarious this was, something I was not expecting at all. Its slapstick style was complimented incredibly by the over-use of sarcasm, an attack of clichés, and Woody Allen's typical deconstruction of love (and I guess of death, too). A clever parody of Russian literature, its references are easy to pick up, and the dialogue, one of Allen's most genius qualities, is exceptionally brilliant. The third collaboration between Allen and Diane Keaton, and their pairing before Allen's breakthrough Annie Hall, their chemistry is spot on, and it is through their leads that this film is so easily yet thoroughly enjoyable.

Woody's consistently improving comedic efforts culminate into a fine wine in LOVE AND DEATH; rich and sweet with intellectual humour that is still accessible, managed by an almost perfect blend between historic parody and pop culture references--it's funny in both a "ha-ha" way as well as "hey, that was clever". The direction, style, and pace are all on point. I still think ANNIE HALL is funnier than anything else Allen has made but in his early Bob Hope/Marx Brothers period, it really doesn't get better than this. You were right Schoales!

Slowly making my way scattershot through the Woody Allen filmography. This is easily the funniest yet. Allen sure does have an eye for attractive, funny women.

Made one year prior to Woody Allen's acclaimed breakthrough, Annie Hall (1976), Love and Death is a witty spoof of Russian literature. Featuring Allen's distinctive intellectual dialogue - obsessively pondering about morality, religion, war, etc. - and eccentric direction. One of the first times where he uses his style to directly model his characters and ideas from his own mind. This is his third collaboration with Diane Keaton, making their back-and-forth chemistry the bright spot of the entire film. There is a great use of landscape and cultural references. Considered by himself and many of his fans to be one of his finest films. Overall it is entertaining and smart, with two great Allen monologues, but it wasn't always as funny as it needed to be. Its tongue-in-cheek wit and bang-bang delivery falls short on a number of occasions. Nonetheless, Allen's charm alone carries the film and it is easy to see his developing talents.

Perhaps it would have been funnier if I had known my Bergman and my Russian litterature. That being said, Woody is on form as always.

While 'Love and Death' is a funny film, I'm sure there is plenty that I missed or didn't properly appreciate. I couldn't help but notice throughout how little I know about Russian literature and therefore wondered how many of the inside jokes sailed right past me. Should have paid attention more in class I guess. Even with that in mind, there are still plenty of great gags, comedic set pieces and Keaton is a revelation.

Having surrendered early to the notion that there was going to be a lot of references that would be over my (stupid) head, I instead paid attention to the filmmaking. This is the most interesting visual work of his first six directorial efforts. Just see the foggy battlefield scenes for proof. Allen's filmmaking craft on display in 'Love and Death' paves the way for 'Annie Hall', 'Interiors' and ultimately, one of his best cinematic achievements, 'Manhattan'.

Funniest Woody Allen movie! I particularly enjoyed the Dostoevsky and Bergman references, but you don't have to ~get it~ to enjoy the silliness of it all.

"Well, I mean a much smaller man."

Woody's consistently improving comedic efforts culminate into a fine wine in LOVE AND DEATH; rich and sweet with intellectual humour that is still accessible, managed by an almost perfect blend between historic parody and pop culture references--it's funny in both a "ha-ha" way as well as "hey, that was clever". The direction, style, and pace are all on point. I still think ANNIE HALL is funnier than anything else Allen has made but in his early Bob Hope/Marx Brothers period, it really doesn't get better than this. You were right Schoales!

Absolutely hilarious. My favourite of Allen's "early funny ones".

I wanted to include a quote, but there're too many great ones to choose from, so it's best if you just go here:
Memorable Quotes for Love and Death.

I'm even more smitten with Diane Keaton, now that I've seen her rockin' the Princess Leia look.

I was pleasantly surprised at how hilarious this was, something I was not expecting at all. Its slapstick style was complimented incredibly by the over-use of sarcasm, an attack of clichés, and Woody Allen's typical deconstruction of love (and I guess of death, too). A clever parody of Russian literature, its references are easy to pick up, and the dialogue, one of Allen's most genius qualities, is exceptionally brilliant. The third collaboration between Allen and Diane Keaton, and their pairing before Allen's breakthrough Annie Hall, their chemistry is spot on, and it is through their leads that this film is so easily yet thoroughly enjoyable.

Perhaps it would have been funnier if I had known my Bergman and my Russian litterature. That being said, Woody is on form as always.

Woody Allen's funniest film, in my opinion.

Of Woody’s early “silly” comedies, I like Love and Death the best. But I’m one of those people who weren’t all that sad to see him leave the wackiness behind, so I guess Stardust Memories was superfluous for me. Woody’s take on Tolstoy and Dostoevsky doesn’t seem like it would translate to comedy, but the guy has always infused darkness and despair into his laughs. In fact, the two concepts of comedy and death are so intertwined in his work that it is impossible to separate them. A lot of people say that Annie Hall was the perfect bridge between his early comedies and his later, drama-infused smilers. But I dunno- I think that Love and Death works as that transition movie just as well. Think of it this way: if Annie Hall is Woody’s Revolver, then Love and Death is his Rubber Soul.