Big Night (1996)

superb food movie

subtle, touching, it oozes love of good (italian) food.
the acting was out of this world. July 14, 2008

A movie that you can sink your teeth into!

This is one of those fabulous movies that you can pop in any time that you want to be entertained. It's touching, it's funny, it is familiar. It is done with a well-known cast of actors that bring meat and potatoes to the story. With Tony Shalhoub and Stanley, how can you go wrong? April 17, 2008

A charming little film

Big Night is a charming small film about Italian immigrants in the 1950's setting up a restaurant in New Jersey. The film highlights the immigrant dilemma, do you change your life to become part of the American "melting pot" or do you retain the culture of the "old country." Well written, well acted, and surprising supporting players. December 3, 2007

Some films stick to your ribs

I was writing a review of The Hoax when I remembered why I bought the DVD. Ever since watching The Big Night, I've bought any film with Stanley Tucci in the cast. I noticed that in other Amazon customer reviews of The Big Night, people seem to either hate or love this film. I fall into latter group.

I originally saw The Big Night on the big screen because a local newspaper reviewer suggested that you see the film at an early showing with a reservation for later the same evening at your favorite Italian restaurant. Dinner and a movie: What could be more American.

Although The Big Night didn't do well at the box office, it developed legs on DVD. This movie blazed a path for other food movies, propelled Tucci's career, and generated untold register receipts at Italian restaurants across America. Quite an accomplishment for a quiet little film. (Actually, the first food movie I remember was It Happened One Night. No other film has made me want to eat a carrot.)

One other piece of trivia about these two Tucci films: Both are hoax stories.
The Shut Mouth Society
The Shopkeeper
November 5, 2007

The Fountainhead in restaurant form

If I could give this movie 6 stars I would. The movie is truly made for someone like me though, as I am a chef and have a philosophy similar to Objectivism.

The movie is basically a tug-a-war between two different philosophies. Tony Shalhoub's character Primo represents the uncompromising visionary, who believes that you should just make the product exceptional & in everyway perfect regardless of the ends. His work is his reason for being. It is everything that makes his life worth living. He says, "If I sacrifice my work, it dies. It is better that I die."

Stanley Tucci's character Secondo represents the business-minded approach of giving the customer what he wants. It doesn't matter if you sacrifice your work, if that is what will determine your success. Work is only a means to an end. You feel his stress of being so close to bankruptcy the whole movie. You feel his desire to be successful, to have the beautiful women and the nice cars.

Even though these two philosophies are at odds, you sympathize with both. You understand both. It is noble and filling to be ideal, though it can be very hard and lead to ruin. And being pragmatic makes life easier, though it gives you no meaning.

A truly excellent film. October 14, 2007

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