Woody Allen is the master of bringing bizarre broken characters to life. In movies, most often these broken characters are redeemed and fixed and they bring you hope. Blue Jasmine makes no attempt to do that. It stays realistic and retains the integrity of its characters - positive or negative is for you to decide - from beginning to end. I'd never been particularly struck by Cate Blanchett's acting skills until I watched this film. If she wins the Oscar for it this year, it will be most well deserved. Despite her needy, whiny, opportunistic, arrogant and disdainful part, she surprisingly draws your empathy. Like that family member or friend who always means trouble and yet you love them dearly.