

Prizzi's Honor
Charley Partanna is a hitman who works for the Prizzis, one of the richest crime families in the US. When he sees Irene Walker, it's love at first sight. But he soon finds that she, too, is a killer for hire. Charley can overlook his suspicions, but he can't turn off his heart. And the couple must remember that even if they love each other, the Prizzis love only money.
Insights
Plot Summary
Charley Partanna, a hitman for a New York Mafia family, falls deeply in love with Irene Walker, a beautiful woman he meets at a wedding. Unbeknownst to Charley, Irene is also a skilled assassin, working for a rival family. Their passionate and dangerous romance unfolds amidst a backdrop of escalating mob violence and betrayal. As their love deepens, they find themselves on a collision course with each other and their respective criminal organizations.
Critical Reception
Prizzi's Honor was a critical and commercial success, widely praised for its dark humor, stylish direction, and sharp performances, particularly from Kathleen Turner and Jack Nicholson. It is considered one of John Huston's final masterpieces and a standout film of the 1980s.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its witty dialogue and darkly comedic take on the mob genre.
- Kathleen Turner's performance as Irene was a standout, earning critical acclaim.
- John Huston's confident and stylish direction was widely celebrated.
Google audience: Audiences loved the film's unique blend of crime and dark comedy, finding the performances engaging and the story suspenseful. The sharp writing and memorable characters were frequently highlighted as positives.
Awards & Accolades
Kathleen Turner won a Golden Globe for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. Anjelica Huston won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Maerose Prizzi. The film also received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Song.
Fun Fact
Kathleen Turner's icy performance as Irene was so compelling that director John Huston famously told her, "You're breaking my heart. You're scaring me to death."
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