Watch Romance and Cigarettes

In the movie "Romance and Cigarettes" from 2005, we are introduced to an unconventional romantic comedy that revolves around the theme of relationships and infidelity among working-class Americans. The movie is directed by John Turturro and stars an impressive ensemble cast including James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, and Kate Winslet.

The story is set in Queens, New York, where we follow the life of a blue-collar worker, Nick Murder (James Gandolfini), who is happily married to his wife, Kitty (Susan Sarandon). However, their marriage is not as perfect as it seems, as Nick is having an affair with a young seductive mistress, Tula (Kate Winslet), who works as a lingerie saleswoman.

The film takes a stylistic approach, incorporating musical numbers and dance sequences to create an upbeat and lively atmosphere that adds a touch of whimsy to the story. The movie is a musical, but not in the traditional sense, as it uses various popular songs to express the characters' emotions and inner thoughts rather than original compositions. Some of the popular tracks used in the movie include "Delilah" by Tom Jones and "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin.

The film's central plot revolves around the love triangle between Nick, Kitty, and Tula, and how their relationships are affected due to Nick's infidelity. As Nick tries to juggle his two lives, his marriage and his affair, he finds himself caught up in a web of lies and deception. On the other hand, Kitty is aware of his husband's infidelity but chooses to turn a blind eye to it, hoping that he will come back to her eventually.

The movie explores the themes of love, desire, and passion in unconventional ways, as the characters try to navigate their lives while dealing with their inner conflicts. Despite their flaws and shortcomings, the characters are portrayed in a sympathetic light, as they struggle to come to terms with their feelings.

James Gandolfini delivers a solid performance as Nick, portraying him as an ordinary working-class man who is trying his best to cope with his relationships. Susan Sarandon is equally impressive as Kitty, bringing depth and realism to her character, who is torn between her love for her husband and her desire for freedom. Kate Winslet, who played Tula, brings out the character's seductive and alluring personality, making her a formidable foe against Kitty.

Overall, "Romance and Cigarettes" is a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre, blending music, humor, and drama into a compelling narrative that will keep you entertained till the end. The movie is an honest exploration of love and relationships set in a realistic working-class environment that will resonate with audiences of all ages.

Romance and Cigarettes is a 2006 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 55.