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Trailer

Holy Smoke

1999Movie1 h 55 minR

ComedyDrama
54
MediocreGoodWatch score
IMDb5.9Metacritic576.8Rotten Tomatoes47%47%

A tense, intriguing comedy movie about the mind and everyday modern life, with standout performances and characters.

Good for friends night · thought-provoking · adults

Skip it if you're watching with family

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Not for laughs, comfort or warmth.

Movies with

Story

He had only one thing on his mind... but so did she!

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.

Feels like

  • Psychological Drama
  • Cult Deprogramming
  • Intense Character Study
  • Feminist Themes
  • Erotic Thriller
  • India-set
  • Power Dynamics
  • Confrontational
  • Ambiguous Morality

Cast

17 of 17

Crew

Directed by
Jane Campion
Written by
Jane Campion, Anna Campion
Produced by
Tabrez Noorani, Mark Turnbull, Jan Chapman
Music by
Angelo Badalamenti

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

September 4, 1999 · 1 h 55 min · R

Released
September 4, 1999
Runtime
1 h 55 min
Age rating
R
Content
Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Original language
English
Also spoken
Hindi
Made in
Australia, United States
Budget
$15 million
Box office
$2 million
Available in
51 countries

Tropes

It Doesn't Mean Anything, It Meant Something to Me, Ms. Fanservice +9

  • It Doesn't Mean Anything
  • It Meant Something to Me
  • Ms. Fanservice
  • Queer Establishing Moment
  • Mad Love
  • Kavorka Man
  • Sex Equals Love
  • Deprogram
  • No Celebrities Were Harmed
  • Fan Disservice
  • May–December Romance
  • Bittersweet Ending

12 of 13 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream Holy Smoke?"

Questions about Holy Smoke

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Holy Smoke?

KanopyHoopla

In the United States, Holy Smoke is free with ads on Kanopy and Hoopla. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, JustWatch TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 3 other countries.

Is Holy Smoke worth watching?

54
MediocreGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 54 (IMDb 5.9, Rotten Tomatoes 47%, and Metacritic 57).

Will Holy Smoke make me laugh?

A touch

Not much for a comedy: the title analysis gives its humor 1 of 4.

Is Holy Smoke good for date night?

Partner WatchAdultsFriends NightSolo Watch

It suits a quiet night in as a couple: romance is 7 of 10, but the viewing guide doesn't list it for date night.

Was Holy Smoke a box office flop?

Budget$15 million
Box office$2 million

Yes: it cost about $15 million to make and earned $2 million worldwide, 12% of its budget.