External Affairs
External Affairs

External Affairs

1999Movie90 minEnglish

Harry Raymond, Canada's ambassador in Moscow, and his wife Marianne, who is in the early stages of Alzheimer's-related dementia, are summoned back to Ottawa by Michael Riordan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, where Raymond is interrogated by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers Daniel Jackman and Greg Mahavolitch, and defended by his lawyer daughter Diana Marsden. Riordan is planning to run for the leadership of his political party following the recent announcement that incumbent Prime Minister Prescott is stepping down due to poor health; both he and his wife Juliet are anxious to avoid any taint of scandal that may ruin his path to the Prime Ministership, but the investigation takes a turn when Raymond reveals both that he is gay and that he knows the secrets that may bring Riordan's career down as well.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes58%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users60%
Director: Don RoosGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A shy, unassuming woman works at a New York City matchmaking service, where she finds herself falling for one of her clients. However, her own insecurities and the complicated lives of those around her create a web of romantic entanglements. The film explores themes of self-discovery and the complexities of modern relationships.

Critical Reception

External Affairs received a mixed reception from critics, with many praising the performances of its lead actresses, particularly Marisa Tomei and Rosie Perez. However, the film's script and pacing were often cited as weaknesses, leading to a generally lukewarm response.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its engaging performances by Marisa Tomei and Rosie Perez.
  • Criticized for a somewhat predictable plot and uneven pacing.
  • The film attempts to explore modern romance with mixed success.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a decent, lighthearted romantic comedy, appreciating the chemistry between the lead actors. Some viewers felt the story could have been more original and that certain plot points were underdeveloped.

Fun Fact

The film was originally titled 'The Mating Habit' before being changed to 'External Affairs'.

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