Romance & Cigarettes
Director: John Turturro
Actors: James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet
PlotNick Murder, a blue-collar worker in New York, finds his life turned upside down when his wife, Kitty, discovers his affair with the fiery and seductive Tula. Struggling with conflicting emotions, Nick navigates a series of events accompanied by musical interludes that reflect his inner turmoil. Kitty, heartbroken but determined, confronts Nick and demands he end the affair and fix their fractured family. Their daughters, Constance, Baby, and Rosebud, each embody different reactions to their parents' crumbling relationship, adding complexity to the family dynamics. A parade of quirky friends and relatives offer unsolicited advice, complicating Nick's attempts to reconcile his feelings and obligations.
Nick's journey is a blend of humor, pain, and surprising honesty as he tries to understand the nature of love, lust, and fidelity. The film weaves together various musical numbers that echo the characters' emotional states, creating a unique narrative style. Alongside Nick’s struggle, Kitty grapples with her own desires and dreams, highlighting the difficulties of long-term commitment. In this eccentric and heightened reality, the characters explore what it means to forgive, forget, and move forward. The story captures a slice of working-class life infused with passion and longing, leading to decisions that will shape the futures of all involved.
Writers: John Turturro
Release Date: 03 Mar 2006
Runtime: 105 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Turturro’s ambitious but uneven karaoke-style musical features a stellar cast but falls short in narrative integration; technical aspects are first-rate, extras minimal.
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