Big Night

Big Night (1996)

  • 96% of critics liked it
    (54 reviews)

  • 83% of users liked it
    (6,838 ratings)

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,… More

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R, 1 hr. 49 min.
Directed By
Stanley Tucci, Campbell Scott
Written By
Joseph Tropiano, Stanley Tucci
Genres
Drama, Romance, Comedy
In Theaters
Sep 20, 1996 Wide
On DVD
Jan 1, 1998
Samuel Goldwyn Films

Critic Reviews

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    A charming, delicate repast prepared by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott.

  • Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

    A small movie -- and that's its subtle charm.

  • Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

    A feast of a film done on a low budget with a menu featuring top-grade acting, writing and direction.

  • Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

    As delicately and deliciously prepared as the dishes it features, Big Night is a lyric to the love of food, family and persuasive acting.

  • Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media

    Delicious adult fare sure to leave you hungry.

Read all 9 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • Michael G


    A really fun movie. This movie in itself is like a party.

  • James K


    This is a really charming little food movie, about a pair of Italian brothers trying to make it in the restaurant business. In a last-ditch effort to save their business, they make a mega meal for a celebrity with the hope of receiving a public endorsement. Tucci and Shalhoub do a… More

  • Sunil J


    Just great! I'd been meaning to see this for a few years but wow. Such a great story and such a great cast. It really feels like you are with them on this big night for the restaurant.

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