Smoke

An all star cast that combines several stories into one- a slice of life for a collection of people in Brooklyn.

Auggie Wren (Harvey Keitel) owns a tobacconist in Brooklyn. He is friends with his customers and is regularly visited by an author, Paul Benjamin (William Hurt). Thomas Cole (Harold Perrineau) is helped by Paul Benjamin and is looking to reconnect with his estranged father, Cyrus Cole (Forest Whitaker). Lastly Ruby (Stockard Channing), an ex girlfriend of Auggie’s, comes looking for his help.

The friendship between Auggie and Paul is my personal highlight from this film. I love what is left unsaid, the unspoken favours and understanding, the distance and closeness that they share. It captures the essence of how men relate to each other like very few films do. It is slow in places, takes it time and pauses to let you feel the humanity, the friendship and the emotion of the moment. The acting performances from everyone are excellent. Even Ashley Judd, who starred in some terrible films in the 90’s, delivers an excellent performance as an emotional addict.

This is truly one of my favourite films, it will move you and make you smile in equal measure. 10/10