Holy Smoke
Seen it?1999 | 115 min | Comedy, Drama
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With middling reviews (45% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 5.7 out of 10 from audiences, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Heavenly Creatures, start here.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 55 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
While on a journey of discovery in exotic India, beautiful young Ruth Barron falls under the influence of a charismatic religious guru. Her desperate parents then hire PJ Waters, a macho cult de-programmer who confronts Ruth in a remote desert hideaway. But PJ quickly learns that he's met his match in the sexy, intelligent and iron-willed Ruth.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
45% on Rotten Tomatoes, 57 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
5.7 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide on a $15 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 56K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Kinds of Kindness Weeknight WatchAnother cult dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Crash Weeknight WatchAnother cult drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Heavenly Creatures
Friday Night FlickAlso stars Kate Winslet, in another critically acclaimed drama.
The Darjeeling Limited
Sunday Safe BetAnother dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Notorious Bettie Page Weeknight WatchAnother dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Jane Campion
- Kate WinsletRuth Barron
- Harvey KeitelPJ Waters
- Julie HamiltonMum
- Sophie LeeYvonne
- Dan WyllieRobbie
- Paul GoddardTim
- Tim RobertsonDad
- George MangosYanni
- Kerry WalkerPuss
- Leslie DaymanBill-Bill