Product Details

• Actors: Diane Keaton, Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow, Walter Matthau, Adam Arkin
• Directors: Diane Keaton
• Writers: Delia Ephron, Nora Ephron
• Producers: Bill Robinson, Delia Ephron, Diana Pokorny, Laurence Mark, Nora Ephron
• Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: English
• Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English
• Region: Region 1 encoding (US and Canada only)
  PLEASE NOTE: Some Region 1 DVDs may contain Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE). Some, but not all, of our international customers have had problems playing these enhanced discs on what are called "region-free" DVD players. For more information on RCE, click .
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: June 27, 2000
• Run Time: 94 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (90 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 076784744X
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,892 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• Learn more about "Hanging Up" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

95 minute feature film DVD starring Meg Ryan and Lisa Kudro w.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Drama--Not Comedy December 11, 2001

By K. Hill VINE™ VOICE

Format:VHS Tape

It's now strange to see Meg Ryan outside her usual genre--the romantic comedy. This movie is a touching drama of an ailing parent and his three daughters. I think the reason so many people were disappointed with this film is because it was advertised as a comedy. Though the main theme is sad, the film also has comic touches. Overall though I don't believe this could be called a comedy. Good acting was turned in by all. Well worth seeing at least once.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are the main one trying to care for an elderly parent while managing other demands - a MUST watch! March 21, 2011

By K. Corn TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase

First off, don't expect a light comedy. This isn't one. But it IS a heartwarming movie which focuses on the complexities of dealing with an aging parent, one with memory issues (but anyone caring for a parent, memory issues or not, should relate to this one). Meg Ryan plays Eve, one of three daughters. Eve has the lion's share of responsibility for her father, Lou (Walter Matthau) - and that is an understatement! Meanwhile, Diane Keaton, as Georgia, is a self-centered, ambitious woman while Lisa Kudrow plays Maddy, a bit of a free spirit who is currently working in a soap opera.She has a small role but one she takes seriously and feels slighted by her sisters for not praising her acting efforts.

My take on why this one got so many bad reviews is that I think viewers have to have gone through similar situations to relate to it. Younger viewers, those without elderly parents, might not connect with it. At a certain point in my life, I probably would have found it yawn-worthy. But not now.

I have no idea why this movie seemed aimed at viewers who expect comedy. Some parts, especially scenes where Eve struggles to reconcile her parent's breakup as well as her father's drinking, his chaotic actions, and faltering memory...can be emotionally draining to view but worth the effort.

Eve is clearly overwhelmed, as are many who have to care for aging parents, but she keeps striving to balance her father's needs with the demands of her business, her marriage, and son. In spite of her best efforts, Eve isn't holding things together very well and the cracks begin to show. She is edgy and tired and can't even imagine "hanging up" or disconnecting when she needs a break. Relating to the theme of hanging up...there is one remarkable scene in the movie where an empathetic stranger gives a gift of enlightenment to Eve, although it isn't THE ultimate solution, just a bit of grace during a turbulent time. This scene is worth viewing the entire movie

Those who are the primary caregiver for an ill parent or one with Alzheimers should relate strongly to Eve's situation. But - as noted - don't expect a comedy. There are some humorous moments but they teeter on the edge of sadness and sometimes - as in life - actually turn into truly painful events. And yet...not so painful that the movie seems melodramatic.

I can see from the other reviews of this movie that many viewers don't share my take. But I've watched this one again and again. It has brought comfort and solace ("A toast to your bravery and a toast to your grief") as well as plenty of moments that had me reaching for tissues. Perhaps it seems TOO real for some viewers?

I have to admit that there was an aspect that seemed unbelievable to me. No matter how rough things got, Eve's house always looked lovely, nearly perfect. But she might have had one incredible housekeeper, right?

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Made my family seem normal! September 20, 2002

By North Carolina Reader

Format:VHS Tape

This movie explores the complex bonds of siblings and how they relate to each other and their parents. On the surface, it seems like a comedy, but it has more than enough moments to make one pull out the box of tissues. Underneath the comic relief we see the frustrations, jealousy, misunderstandings and fierce that love that make up the relationships we have with our siblings. It explores love, guilt, fear, anger, happiness and loss with equal scrutiny. After watching this movie, I immediately wanted to watch it WITH my two sisters! It's a really good way to take a close look at our own families and how we relate to each other. Great acting buy the female leads and a wonderfully touching performance by the late Walter Matthau.