Rent Holy Smoke (1999)
3.2 of 5 from 92 ratings
1h 50min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Ruth (Kate Winslet) a young woman of iconic beauty has a sense that something is missing in her life, indeed in western culture. She travels to India and is touched by a Guru. Her family are alarmed and make a decision to lure and reclaim their daughter using the aid of an American exit counselor PJ Waters (Harvey Keitel). Two days later a reversal of power takes place when the battleground shifts from religion to sex. The spiritual pro is himself facing deprogramming as he falls for his avenging angel.
- Actors:
- Kate Winslet, Harvey Keitel, Julie Hamilton, Sophie Lee, Dan Wyllie, Paul Goddard, Tim Robertson, George Rafael, Kerry Walker, Les Dayman, Samantha Murray, Sandy Gutman, Simon Anderson, Pam Grier, Eva Martin, Mira Wright, Polly Wright, Lior Aizenberg, S. Samaran, Michelle Abel
- Directors:
- Jane Campion
- Writers:
- Anna Campion, Jane Campion
- Studio:
- Cinema Club
- Genres:
- Drama
- Collections:
- Top 10 Films of 1999
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Reviews (2) of Holy Smoke
Utterly memorable - Holy Smoke review by JD
This is not mainstream cinema it is intense cult. A slightly weird plot of manipulation and counter (possibly subconscious) manipulation. The acting is absolutely first class, Winslet and Keitel play very difficult roles of intensely hating and loving opponents. The character of Ruth's mother is brilliant; she has a stress it must be difficult to imitate, but it comes over so well you will reach for your inhaler.
The complexity of the interaction between Ruth and her adversary could not have been attempted by any lesser actors.
1 out of 2 members found this review helpful.
A Disturbing and minority film - Holy Smoke review by jl
I found this film somehow unconvincing, and I was of a generation that this was a common trip from Australia for those seeking enlightenment. The mannered acting was mainly the problem for me. But... I didn't get to the end .
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.