Trailers
Description
Writer Paul Benjamin is nearly hit by a bus when he leaves Auggie Wren's smoke shop. Stranger Rashid Cole saves his life, and soon middle-aged Paul tells homeless Rashid that he wouldn't mind a short-term housemate. Still grieving over his wife's murder, Paul is moved by both Rashid's quest to reconnect with his father and Auggie's discovery that a woman who might be his daughter is about to give birth.
Starring
Awards
Key opinion
Smoke is widely celebrated as a quintessential piece of 90s independent cinema, characterized by its intimate, character-driven storytelling and authentic Brooklyn atmosphere. While some viewers find its episodic structure and lack of a traditional, unified plot off-putting, most praise the film's poignant humanism and the powerhouse performances of its ensemble cast.
| Acting | Harvey Keitel delivers a foundational performance that anchors the film's emotional core and serves as its primary draw. | |
| Screenplay | The script shines through rich, dialogue-heavy scenes that prioritize philosophical reflection and character nuance over high-stakes action. | |
| Production | The film effectively captures a singular, low-key Brooklyn atmosphere that feels both lived-in and deeply personal. | |
| Screenplay | The episodic, chapter-based narrative structure divides opinion: some appreciate the vignette-style storytelling, while others miss a cohesive or traditional plot progression. | |
| Cinematography | Critics are split on the visual presentation of New York; some find the understated, static camerawork hypnotic, while others feel it fails to meaningfully capture or love the city itself. |