Big Night

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Big Night

R,

1996,

1h 47m,

Drama

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Watchlist

96%

55 Reviews

Tomatometer

84%

5,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

55 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Chef Primo and businessman Secondo are immigrant brothers from Italy who open their dream restaurant, Paradise, in New Jersey. However, Primo's authentic food is too unfamiliar for the local tastes, and the restaurant is struggling. When famous Italian-American bandleader Louis Prima is scheduled to appear at Paradise, the two brothers put all of their efforts into the important meal, which will likely decide the fate of their restaurant.

Critics Consensus

The performances in Big Night are wonderful, and the food looks delicious.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Mar 31, 2008

An actor for sophisticated palates, Tucci's too good to stay obscure any longer.

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Desson Thomson

Washington Post

Apr 7, 2003

A charming, delicate repast prepared by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott.

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Peter Stack

San Francisco Chronicle

Jun 18, 2002

3/4

A small movie -- and that's its subtle charm.

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Diana Tuova

Spotlight on Film

Aug 2, 2024

4/5

The actors do a phenomenal job, and because the film never takes itself seriously, it soon morphs into something adorable, touching and "deliciously" random (or randomly "delicious"?).

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James Croot

The Post NZ

Dec 20, 2021

4/5

Tucci and Joseph Tropiano's script is filled with memorable moments, the escalating farce beautifully combining with some witty one-liners, all delivered by magnificent ensemble.

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Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

Sep 29, 2016

4.5/5

It will send your salivary glands into Tex Avery territory, but "Big Night" is layered with the delicacy, care & closely guarded alchemy of a family recipe - evolving beyond food as emotional or communicative currency into something more bittersweet.

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Hermione W

Oct 17, 2017

2/6/2018 The movie has the signature camera feel of that decade. The premise what quite simple but the visual overload of the dishes made up for it.

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Han L

May 4, 2017

Family and Food are the two pillars that hold up any Italian household (indeed most households, particularly Indian) and this movie is a delightful tribute to both. Big Night is the story of two brothers Primo (Shalhoub) and Secondo (Tucci) who -as their names suggest- are passionate about their food. Primo in particular is a brilliant chef, and Secondo a natural entertainer and restaurant manager. However, while Primo values his heritage and roots, Secondo is enamored by the possibility of making it big in America. Their efforts culminate into the eponymous Big Night, which could change their lives forever. What happens till then and afterwards, is a journey you need to gift your palette. Carried squarely on the shoulders of it's lead actors, Big Night is a true example of the cinema boom of the 90's. When movies were made not with big names but with little ideas and big hearts. A must watch if you're into culinary based movies.

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Rey S

Feb 24, 2015

Beautiful food and a well executed story.

Poe R

Sep 19, 2007

Delicious. New Jersey, 1950s. Two brothers, Primo and Secondo, run an Italian restaurant. Business is not going well as a rival Italian restaurant is out-competing them. In a final effort to save the restaurant, the brothers plan to put on an evening of incredible food. Wonderful movie. Warm, engaging drama with great character depth and development. Great work by Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci in the lead roles. Good supporting performances, especially by Minnie Driver. However, it is the food that steals the show. Looks fantastic and makes you hungry just looking at it.

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Campbell Scott

Director

Stanley Tucci

Director

Minnie Driver

Phyllis

Ian Holm

Pascal

Isabella Rossellini

Gabriella

Tony Shalhoub

Primo

Big Night: Official Clip - I Should Kill You

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Big Night: Official Clip - Let's Eat

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Big Night: Official Clip - I Make Fun

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Big Night: Official Clip - Brotherly Fight

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Big Night: Official Clip - I Have Nothing

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Big Night: Official Clip - It's About Money

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Big Night: Official Clip - We Will Foreclose

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Big Night: Official Clip - I Want a Cowboy

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Big Night: Official Clip - Can We Talk About It?

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Synopsis

Chef Primo and businessman Secondo are immigrant brothers from Italy who open their dream restaurant, Paradise, in New Jersey. However, Primo's authentic food is too unfamiliar for the local tastes, and the restaurant is struggling. When famous Italian-American bandleader Louis Prima is scheduled to appear at Paradise, the two brothers put all of their efforts into the important meal, which will likely decide the fate of their restaurant.

Director: Campbell Scott, Stanley Tucci
Producer: Jonathan Filley
Screenwriter: Joseph Tropiano, Stanley Tucci
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Production Co: Rysher Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 24, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 21, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $12.0M
Runtime: 1h 47m

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