Watch Big Night
- R
- 1996
- 1 hr 47 min
-
7.3 (23,223)
Big Night is a 1996 movie that tells the story of two Italian immigrant brothers, Primo and Secondo, who own and run a struggling Italian restaurant in New Jersey. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) is a brilliant chef, passionate about his food and traditions, while Secondo (Stanley Tucci) is the practical, business-minded younger brother. The two brothers have different visions for the restaurant's future: Primo wants to cook authentic Italian cuisine without making any compromises, while Secondo is more concerned about keeping the restaurant afloat and attracting more customers.
Their struggles are compounded by their difficult relationship with Pascal (Ian Holm), a rival Italian restaurant owner who offers them a deal they cannot refuse. Pascal proposes that they host a big dinner for one of his most famous clients, a famous Italian singer named Louis Prima, in the hopes of attracting more customers to their restaurant. The brothers agree, and the film chronicles their efforts to create the perfect meal and impress their guests.
Throughout the film, we see the struggles of being an immigrant in America, as Primo and Secondo come up against cultural differences and prejudice. The two brothers are constantly reminded of their outsider status, and their attempts to stay authentic often leave them isolated and unnoticed.
The film is also a love letter to food and the art of cooking, with beautiful cinematography and mouth-watering shots of Italian delicacies. Primo's dishes are works of art, each ingredient carefully selected and prepared with great care. The film is a celebration of the importance of food in bringing people together and the art of cooking as a labor of love.
The supporting cast of the film adds depth and humor to the story. Isabella Rossellini plays Phyllis, a potential love interest for Secondo, and Alison Janney plays Ann, a flirtatious restaurant hostess. The film also features a young Marc Anthony in a small role as Cesar, a kitchen helper who helps Primo with the meal preparations.
Ultimately, Big Night is a tale of sacrifice, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It is a beautifully crafted film that tells a universal story about family, tradition, and the importance of cultural identity. The film's themes of ambition, success, and sacrifice are timeless and relatable, making it a must-see classic for anyone who loves good food and great storytelling.
Big Night is a 1996 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 80.