Holy Smoke

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Cast & Crew

Kate Winslet
Ruth Barron

Harvey Keitel
PJ Walters

Pam Grier
Carol

Julie Hamilton
Mum

Sophie Lee
Yvonne

Dan Wyllie
Robbie

Paul Goddard
Tim

Tim Robertson
Dad

George Mangos
Yani

Kerry Walker
Puss

Jane Campion
Director

Jane Campion
Writer

Anna Campion
Writer

Catherine Bishop
Line Producer

Jan Chapman
Producer

Julie Goldstein
Executive Producer

Mark Turnbull
Associate Producer

Bob Weinstein
Executive Producer

Harvey Weinstein
Executive Producer

Angelo Badalamenti
Composer

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Critic Reviews for Holy Smoke

Audience Reviews for Holy Smoke

• Sep 20, 2015

  Starts really well only to run out of ideas and drive off the proverbial cliff.
  Marcus W Super Reviewer
• Jun 18, 2010

  Holy Smoke is right! Kate Winslet definitely sets the screen on fire, literally and figuratively, in this one as Ruth Barron, a young, idealistic woman, whose parents (Julie Hamilton, Tim Robertson) become concerned when she joins a commune of like-minded seekers in India, under the sway of a charismatic guru. Tricked into returning to her native Australia, she is ambushed by her family and whisked away to a secluded hut for deprogramming by a highly successful American deprogrammer, PJ Waters (Harvey Keitel). What takes place in this desolate location is outside the bounds of any reputable therapy. This is a game (or is it) of cat and mouse and the power shifts back and forth quite precipitously and nearly devastatingly. Excellent performance by the leads, and convincing character development by the supporting cast propel this compelling tale. Surprisingly light moments of wry humor keep this from becoming too unrelentingly dark but without causing it to descend into parody. The control of the plot by Jane Campion feels sure-handed and exhibits a director firmly confident in her craft. The scenery is beautifully desolate and the cinematography is striking. Only a slight letdown at the end detracts from the overall impact.
  

  Mark A Super Reviewer
• Feb 03, 2010

  It's said that sex and religion are two subjects that no one can discuss without arguing; writer/director Jane Campion tackles both head-on in this satiric comedy drama. On a trip to India, Australian Ruth (Kate Winslet) has a spiritual awakening and embraces the teachings of a guru named Baba. Back home in Sydney, Ruth's mother and father (Julie Hamilton and Tim Robertson) are appalled to learn that their daughter now answers to the name Nazni and has no intention of returning. Mother visits her daughter in India in hopes of convincing her to come home, but it's not until she suffers a life-threatening asthma attack that Ruth agrees to return for a visit. Mother pretends to arrange a meeting with Ruth's father, who has been ill, and this trick lands Ruth in the clutches of P.J. Waters (Harvey Keitel), an American exit counselor who deprograms members of religious cults. Waters begins to loosen Ruth's belief in Baba's teachings, but P.J. finds himself sexually attracted to Ruth, and in time she allows him to seduce her. Ruth soon turns the tables on P.J., as she discovers that sex allows her to make mincemeat of his long-held beliefs as a macho, misogynist male. Jane's sister Anna Campion, herself a director, co-authored the screenplay; Pam Grier appears in a supporting role as P.J.'s partner and girlfriend.
  Martin D Super Reviewer
• Apr 08, 2008

  Great, underrated comedy from Campion. Keitel is amazing as the cool cult deprogrammer who by the end is the most pathetic fool in the world. A really fun and funny film.
  Christopher B Super Reviewer

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