Reality and fantasy intertwine in this movie as Don Octavio enrolls Don Juan as his patient and falls under his spell. Thus you have Jack Mickler suddenly taking his wife out to dinner, buying her presents, and hiring musicians to serenade her. That pretty much describes the plot of the movie, which is essentially a war between romantic delusions and cold psychiatry. There is some existential value to this movie, as questions like what is worth living and dying for are asked. But the answer has become a cliche, especially in Hollywood movies.
Some parts are rather funny, and it's full of mushy lines.
The acting overall is quite brilliant, particularly Marlon Brando's performance as Don Octavio. This is definitely a movie for those who think he is a has-been. Brando not only rises to the skeptics' challenge, but also proves them wrong.