Holy Matrimony (1994)

the audience applauded

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

The movie concerns on a thieves pair named Havana and Peter(Patricia Arquette, Tate Donovan) rob a country fair proprietary(Richard Riehle)and fled to only place where no one look for them. Both determine which the best way to avoid detection is to blend with the Hutterite community, an Amish-alike society and where Peter was raised by his parents(Armin Mueller Stahl, Lois Smith). Peter hides his loot in a secret hiding location, but then he soon dies in a car crash. His little boy brother named Ezequiel(Joseph Gordon Lewitt) is called to replace him and marry to Havana. She has to adjust to the new life style and his feeling for the boy. And end up interwoven a sensitive undercurrent of caring and she learns how to love all over again. Meanwhile, they're pursued by two agents(John Schuck, Courtney Vance).This is an enjoyable comedy with good feeling, entertaining, agreeable humor and language is suitable for all. The main issue about this movie is from how she tries to adapt the new life whilst keeping up the presence of being a good woman . It's enough remarkable in portraying the Hutterite way of life sympathetically and the likable relationship of the juvenile marriage. It's understandable why it was not great success in the theatre, as it has not spectacular special effects , isn't a blockbuster , but for the television set , its's just what is required. The film takes parts here and there from ¨Witness¨(Peter Weir with Harrison Ford) and ¨For richer and poorer¨(Bryan Spicer with Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley). Colorful cinematography by Bukowski and emotive musical score by Bruce Broughton. The motion picture is professionally directed by the famous Leonard Nimoy, Spock . He's a good director of comedy-drama(Good mother, Funny about love, 3 men and a baby), Sci-Fi(Star Trek III and V) and occasionally for television(Deadly games,Night gallery, T.J. Hooker). Rating : Average but bemusing.

I've seen this film twice and had to get the DVD! It is HILARIOUS! The actor who plays the young boy who faints every time he gets upset is a stitch, Patricia Arquette is perfect, and the supporting cast really make you think that they are Hutterites! (I'm not sure whether they are or not, I haven't found any info either way) : If they're actors, they're perfect, though. It's quite simply a superb escapist film as far as being entertaining goes. It grabs your attention from the first five minutes and keeps you through the entire film. The plot, the acting; all GREAT! Don't miss this one - If you see it, you'll want it in some format in your collection. That GOOD!

Why can't more movies like this be put in for oscar awards. There is not much more to say than complete excellence. I just wish Dan Cossolini would do more movies. He is a superb actor & I believe it is a shame that he hasn't done any movies lately. This movie is a classic & you can't even find it on DVD. I wish I could get my hands on a copy!!!

Donovan brings girlfriend Arquette to his native Hutterite community in an attempt to hide from the law after a robbery. They marry but shortly after he dies and -in keeping with the biblical tradition- his 12 year old brother must take his place in the marriage! Joseph Gordon-Levitt is terrific as little Zeke, but the plot involving a crazed FBI-agent should have been left out of this story.