Moonstruck
Moonstruck

Moonstruck

1987Movie102 minEnglish

37-year-old Italian-American widow Loretta Castorini believes she is unlucky in love, and so accepts a marriage proposal from her boyfriend Johnny, even though she doesn't love him. When she meets his estranged younger brother Ronny, an emotional and passionate man, she finds herself drawn to him. She tries to resist, but Ronny, who blames his brother for the loss of his hand, has no scruples about aggressively pursuing her while Johnny is out of the country. As Loretta falls for Ronny, she learns that she's not the only one in her family with a secret romance.

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IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic81/100
Google Users90%
Director: Norman JewisonGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

An Italian-American bookkeeper named Loretta is engaged to Johnny Cammareri, a baker who is more interested in his mother's opera career than his fiancée. When Loretta asks him to come to Sicily to retrieve his lost manhood for the wedding, Johnny insists that his estranged brother, Ronny, a baker who lost his hand in an accident and blames his father, will be his best man. Loretta, on the other hand, finds herself falling in love with Ronny, who reciprocates her feelings and makes her question her engagement.

Critical Reception

Moonstruck was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its sharp wit, charming performances, and heartfelt exploration of love and family. Critics praised the screenplay and direction, noting the film's blend of humor and pathos. Audiences embraced the story's unique charm and the compelling chemistry between its leads.

What Reviewers Say

  • Cher delivers a career-defining performance as a woman rediscovering passion.
  • The film is a charming and witty romantic comedy with a strong sense of place.
  • Supporting cast, particularly Olympia Dukakis, is excellent.

Google audience: Audiences praised Moonstruck for its humor, romance, and Cher's performance. Many found it to be a charming and feel-good movie with a unique story and memorable characters.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Academy Award for Best Actress (Cher) and Best Supporting Actress (Olympia Dukakis), and Best Original Screenplay. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Vincent Gardenia). Cher also won a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Fun Fact

The iconic opera scene in the film, where Ronny cries during 'La Bohème', was not planned. Nicolas Cage became genuinely moved by the music and Cher's performance, leading to an authentic emotional moment that was kept in the final cut.

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With his mother seemingly on her deathbed, "Loretta" (Cher) agrees to marry the kindly but rather dull "Johnny" (Danny Aiello) only to find herself amidst a family grudge. He won't invite his brother "Ronny" (Nicolas Cage) to the wedding. S...