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Big Night Details

1996 Certificate 15
  • 70
  • from 1021 members

In this witty drama, a pair of brothers debate integrity versus compromise as they try to succeed in the restaurant business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) have journeyed from Italy to New Jersey in the mid-1950s, determined to make a killing with an authentic Italian restaurant, The Paradise. But their food .. Read more

Starring Stanley Tucci, Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, Ian Holm
Director Stanley Tucci, Campbell Scott
Genres Drama

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Big Night

In this witty drama, a pair of brothers debate integrity versus compromise as they try to succeed in the restaurant business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) have journeyed from Italy to New Jersey in the mid-1950s, determined to make a killing with an authentic Italian restaurant, The Paradise. But their food is a bit too authentic; Primo may prepare a superb risotto, but most of his customers are wondering why they can't get a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. Secondo tries to convince his brother not to berate the customers for requesting more American dishes, but Primo stands firm. Meanwhile, Pascal (Ian Holm), another local restaurateur, is doing great business with Italian style food the brothers wouldn't bother to spit on. Despite Primo's refusal to change his recipes to cater to lowbrow tastes, Secondo goes to Pascal begging for advice. With The Paradise on its last legs, Pascal offers to help -- Louis Prima, the famous Italian-American bandleader, is coming to town, and Pascal is to arrange a banquet in his honor. He'll stage the banquet at The Paradise in the hopes that Prima and his entourage (and hopefully the accompanying press) will fall in love with the authentic food and sing the praises of the foundering restaurant as he tours the country. The preparations for the big night and the behind-the-scenes family drama that ensues is highlighted by a strong supporting cast of Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, and Allison Janney. Stanley Tucci, who plays Secondo, co-directed with Campbell Scott, who has a small but memorable role as a car salesman.~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Starring Stanley Tucci, Minnie Driver, Isabella Rossellini, Ian Holm, Tony Shalhoub
Director Stanley Tucci, Campbell Scott
Studio PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time DVD: 1 hr 45 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released Production year: 1996

To Rent:
DVD: 07 Apr 2008
  • Critic's review of Big Night

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    • As delicately and deliciously prepared as the dishes it features... It is a sensual feast that understands, as great chefs do, the virtues of taking its time

    • 41849
  • Most helpful member's review of Big Night

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    • Rated - 5.0 stars  

      • 9
      • 0

      I was forced to watch this!

      It's true. My girlfriend and her family subjected me to this one evening. I was sceptical at first, however, I ended up loving every minute. The ... read more »

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  • Most recent members' reviews of Big Night

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    • Rated - 5.0 stars  

      • 0
      • 0

      BIG NIGHT

      A fabulous and engaging entertainment.

      Particularly If you have ever cooked for a living.

      Full marks from an obviously biased viewer!

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    • 906588
    • Rated - 2.0 stars  

      • 0
      • 0

      Big Night

      Overall this film left me feeling there could have been more. I guess the relationship between the two brothers is the main focus but you're never quite ... read more »

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    • 859138
    • Rated - 3.0 stars  

      • 2
      • 0

      See it!

      A beautiful film that deals with both external and internal issues relating to the family in trouble. Wonderful and layered performances from the cast, ... read more »

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    • 737596
  • News and features

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    The Pelican Brief

    Top 10 Stanley Tucci

    • jennifer trevorrow
    • 15 Dec 2010

    A firm favourite of ours, Stanley Tucci has a career which spans two decades; including several shows and films. With not-so small beginnings in television and film, Tucci quickly triumphed, earning the respect and acclaim he so rightly deserved amongst his peers. He may not always be the main character in a film, but retains his stance as a leading man every time. His Top 10 Films Murder One (1995) After several secondary parts and cameos in feature films such as Beethoven and The Pelican... Read more

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    • Big Night
      In this witty drama, a pair of brothers debate integrity versus compromise as they try to succeed in the restaurant business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci) have journeyed from Italy to New Jersey in the mid-1950s, determined to make a killing with an authentic Italian restaurant,...