Smoke
Smoke

Movie spotlight

Smoke

2007
Movie
20 min
English

Son and Rachael are young, married and hopelessly in love. They're also car thieves. When Rachael learns that she's pregnant, it threatens to destroy the happily carefree life she and Son lead. They decide to put their criminal ways behind them, but a reckless past isn't easy to escape. Max, a rival car thief, has a score to settle.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users78%
Director: Paul AusterGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Set in Brooklyn, the film revolves around Auggie Wren, a modest cigar shop owner, and his patrons. The narrative unfolds through a series of vignettes, exploring the lives and connections of the diverse individuals who frequent Auggie's shop. These stories touch upon themes of family, friendship, loss, and the search for meaning in everyday life.

Critical Reception

Smoke was generally well-received by critics for its poignant storytelling and strong performances, particularly from Harvey Keitel. It was praised for its character-driven narrative and its ability to find depth and humanity in seemingly ordinary lives.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its gentle, character-driven narrative and thoughtful exploration of human connection.

  • Harvey Keitel's performance as Auggie Wren was widely lauded as the heart of the film.

  • The film's episodic structure effectively captures the nuances of everyday life and relationships.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's touching stories and the authentic portrayal of life in a Brooklyn neighborhood. Many found the characters relatable and the overall tone to be warm and engaging.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Golden Bear at the 45th Berlin International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film is based on a short story by Paul Auster, who also co-directed the film with Wayne Wang, although Auster is typically credited as the sole director.

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