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Romance & Cigarettes

Romance & Cigarettes

2005105 minRMidcredits score: 49th percentile of all films
Director
John Turturro
Starring
James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Steve Buscemi

Ironworker Nick lives with his wife, Kitty, and three daughters. When he meets a significantly younger woman, Tula, he starts an affair with her, much to the chagrin of his wife, and his life is thrown into upheaval. Kitty kicks Nick out of the house, and he is forced to make some difficult decisions.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Romance & Cigarettes?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Romance & Cigarettes streaming on Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, ScreenPix via Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Romance & Cigarettes?

Romance & Cigarettes earns 5 badges, led by Star-studded and One of a kind.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Romance & Cigarettes worth watching?

Romance & Cigarettes' Midcredits score is the 49th percentile of all films, from 23K ratings across 5 sources. 50% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

49th percentile

Better received than 49% of films

56th percentile among Comedy47th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)46th
Approval (how many liked it)52nd

60 /100

46th percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Comedy45th percentile among 2000s

Critics 55 · Audience 61

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

50% liked it

52nd percentile of all films

58th percentile among Comedy49th percentile among 2000s
50% rated it 7–1050% rated it 1–6

Critics 53% · Audience 56%

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics and audiences approve at similar rates.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 3 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

87th percentile

23K ratings across platforms

85th percentile among Comedy80th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 125% in 30 days

Box office

Domestic gross$557K
Worldwide gross$2.9M

56th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A messy, idiosyncratic blue-collar musical that swings wildly between inspired weirdness and baffling miscalculation.

Fans praised

  • risk-taking originality and genre-blending
  • infectious raw energy and exuberance
  • standout cast chemistry and committed performances

Detractors panned

  • disjointed, incoherent plot and structure
  • cringe-inducing, amateurish musical numbers
  • crass, repetitive sexual dialogue

What stands out

OriginalityDivisive85

bold, unconventional, genre-defying

Acting78

committed, game cast across the board

Sound and musicDivisive70

eclectic song choices, karaoke-style delivery

DialogueDivisive60

vulgar, witty, occasionally quotable

HumorDivisive60

raunchy, absurd, polarizing

CharactersDivisive45

thin, cartoonish, underdeveloped

PacingDivisive40

uneven, lurching between zany and tragic

Plot and storyDivisive35

wafer-thin, disjointed, meandering

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 15 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Romance & Cigarettes like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It takes its time, has a few laughs and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
BittersweetMelancholicRomantic
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its gritty working-class drama with a knowing, surreal wink, using musical numbers for emotional expression.
The rideThe film shifts between playful musical numbers and heavy marital strife, with the heaviest emotional weight arriving in Nick's terminal illness and death.
StructureConventional linear narrative, punctuated by musical numbers that express inner emotion.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetWistful · 8% of films
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you with a mix of sadness and warmth, contemplating the messiness of love and mortality.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% (this title) · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Redemption: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).

13% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeA working-class husband's journey from infidelity to seeking forgiveness before his death, emphasizing moral reawakening and reconciliation.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfMarriageBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% (this title) · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% (this title) · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Marriage · 2% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of filmsGrief · 6% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on a marriage shattered by infidelity and the struggle to reconcile love with betrayal.
StanceThe film observes the marriage of Nick and Kitty without overtly celebrating or condemning their choices, presenting both perspectives.

The world

Late 20th centuryUrbanDomesticStylized realism
PopRockForeground music · hybrid
SettingEarly 1980s New York City blue-collar neighborhood
MusicThe musical numbers are elaborate fantasy sequences expressing characters' inner thoughts.

Content guide

Is Romance & Cigarettes okay for kids?

R

Romance & Cigarettes is rated R: “Rated R for sexual content including some strong dialogue, and language” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (39/100), sexual content at moderate (54/100), language at intense (69/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (52/100) and frightening material at minimal (4/100). Its drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 22% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 4 other countries
  • Germany12
  • Ireland16
  • Austria12
  • Russia18+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 50% of all filmsHeavier than 22% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 20%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 63%
Profanity
Intense
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 55%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is language. Everything else sits at or below what R-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Romance & Cigarettes have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Romance & Cigarettes?

Cast

4 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

James Gandolfini
as Nick Murder
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Susan Sarandon
as Kitty Kane
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kate Winslet
as Tula
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Steve Buscemi
as Angelo
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Bobby Cannavale
as Fryburg
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Mandy Moore
as Baby
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Mary-Louise Parker
as Constance
Aida Turturro
as Rosebud
Christopher Walken
as Cousin Bo
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Eddie Izzard
as Gene Vincent

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Romance & Cigarettes?

Movies like Romance & Cigarettes include Prizzi's Honor (1985), Fading Gigolo (2013) and Trust the Man (2005). Of the 12 closest matches, most are films set in New York, and most are films that feel wry.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its character type: a marriage in crisis. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Romance & Cigarettes?

2.3K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: musical. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.