Holy Smoke!

I thought this movie would be more about how a young woman leaves a cult. This was instead about how a young woman leaves a cult and the the person that deprograms her starts an inappropriate relationship with her. I know that this was intentional and shows how he was guilty of doing the same thing the young woman was doing but I didn't like it, I also was irritated by her family. Again I know this was intentional but I just didn't care for it at all. It wasn't awful but I didn't like it. I know that the director was female but it felt like it was done with a male gaze. Was that intentional too? If so I still didn't like it. I say skip this one

This is a strangely beautiful film- a film as mesmerizing as the religious ecstasy that touches Ruth and the romantic love that seizes PJ. The Campion sisters are making an interesting comparison here, a comparison from which the movie takes its name: that there is a similar captivating force in both romantic love and religion, and that both are like getting smoke in your eyes. Rationality becomes secondary to overwhelming conviction.This film had so many finely wrought moments that I occasionally exclaimed out loud, "Brilliant!" One such moment is when Harvey Keitel's character, PJ Waters, the cult exiter, swaggers into the film via the Sydney airport with his tight jeans, black shirt, cowboy boots, and sunglasses. We see a gaggle of people surrounding the luggage carts as they make futile attempts to dislodge them from one another. The crowd separates as the gum-chewing PJ approaches and effortlessly extracts the carts, artfully twirling them toward grateful and awed travellers. We understand instantly that this is a man to be reckoned with.Yes, I cried watching this film. But not only for the pity I felt for Ruth and P.J., but for the film's general excellence. Acting like this made me wonder at the whole of film making, made me feel proud at human accomplishments. Winslet gives us a Ruth that is rich, multi-layered, powerful and vulnerable at the same time. Keitel is a courageous actor: you'll know what I mean when you see the red dress. These are first-rate performances, and I feel grateful to have witnessed them.

Kate Winslet is the best actress of the last quarter century. Her performance in this film should have earned her an Oscar.

I assumed incorrectly that any movie with Harvey Keitel in it would be fantastic. This movie was TERRIBLE. I have no clue what was trying to be told in this story between a young confused brainwashed woman and her middle aged cult deprogrammer (Keitel).After Winslet pees all over herself I knew I was at the end of my rope and this movie was a huge waste of time. The storyline went no where, the characters were ridiculous, Keitel is unconvincing and Winslet loves being naked just a little too much. If you like freaks and idiots and wasting 2 hours then watch this by all means. I'd rather do anything else. I'll definitely avoid Campion movies in the future.

Jane Campion is always great.

Very pleased, just as described.

Holy Smoke! is first and formost a wry, sensual showcase of the fearless, exciting talent of Kate Winslet. She and Harvey Keitel are both excellent in their respective portrayals of a young woman under the sway of a religion her parents don't understand and the professional deprogrammer sent to turn her back into the woman her family knows and loves. The energy and flavor of New Zealand make a fine backdrop for this darkly humorous tale. The movie is gorgeous to look at, the cast is excellent all around and the twisty turns of the story will take you on a ride with a sensibility all it's own. And did I mention the sexiness of Kate Winslet?

It was a bit "all over the place", and it certainly didn't go as expected...(Lol!)..but, personally that made ME rather happy. I like a little surprise! Quite entertaining!.

I wonder if Kate has ever considered keeping her clothes on for a film, (always assuming that it could be tastefully done and in keeping with the integrity and artistic balance of the film). This film has a flimsy storyline, which, although mildly entertaing, in part due to the quality of Winslet's acting,has very little substance, and probably relies on the mildly tittilating soft porn scenes to sell the dvd.

Strangely compelling odd ball film which is definately different . Winslet is brilliant and extremely sexy and Keitel is creepy and definately unforgetable in his red dress ! This isnt necessarily an easy film to watch , who is programming who ? Who is the guru , who is the gullible ? A hidden gem . Definately left me with a lot to think about afterwards .

Bought for Step dad and he was very happy with it!

very good

kate naked whats not to like