Passionada (2003)

58% of critics liked it
(45 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(1,400 ratings)

A woman learning to trust men again finds herself falling for a man who may not be trustworthy in this romantic comedy. Celia Amonte (Sofia Milos) is a beautiful woman of Portuguese-American heritage who lost her husband, a fisherman, to an accident at sea. Eight years after his death, Celia remains… More A woman learning to trust men again finds herself falling for a man who may not be trustworthy in this romantic comedy. Celia Amonte (Sofia Milos) is a beautiful woman of Portuguese-American heritage who lost her husband, a fisherman, to an accident at sea. Eight years after his death, Celia remains loyal to her late husband's memory, even though her equally lovely teenage daughter, Vicky (Emmy Rossum), frequently encourages her to start dating again, and has even tried fixing Celia up with eligible men. Unknown to her mother, Vicky has become a frequent visitor to a local gambling casino, where she meets a handsome Englishman named Charlie Beck (Jason Isaacs), who gambles for a living. Vicky urges Charlie to see Celia perform at a local nightclub, where she sings the passionate Portuguese songs of the fado style. Charlie is immediately taken with her, but Celia isn't especially interested in him. Vicky makes a deal with Charlie -- if he'll show her how to cheat at blackjack, she'll persuade Celia to go out with him. In time, Charlie's charm eventually conquers Celia's reservations, and a romance begins to bloom, However, Charlie has made the mistake of telling Celia he's a fisherman, and he's not sure how much longer he can keep up the charade. Passionada also features Theresa Russell, Seymour Cassel, and Lupe Ontiveros. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Dan Ireland
Written By: Jim Jermanok, Steve Jermanok
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 15, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Apr 6, 2004
Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films

Critic Reviews

David Hunter, Hollywood Reporter
Goes down smoothly thanks to the trio of lead actors, whose enthusiasm and chemistry help make up for the routine filmmaking.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Lacks exactly what its title promises, passion, and any real Portuguese flavor.
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
Afraid to trust the strength of its simple story, it clutters it up with subplots, some of which seem to have been forgotten in the editing.
Megan Lehmann, New York Post
Despite its porn-movie title, this predictable and uninspired romantic drama fizzles like a wet squib.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
A feel-good romantic comedy without a shred of credibility.
Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer
While the situations don't add up to a satisfying film, the characters are pleasing to watch.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
It's a shame that more care wasn't taken in the handling of the characters or the multiple plot threads.
Sarah Chauncey, Reel.com
Passionada tries too hard to be artsy and clever.
Paul Sherman, Boston Herald
Plugs New Bedford into the ethnic romantic comedy formula, and the results are, well, formulaic.
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press
The romance in Passionada is appealing enough, but the movie's real strengths are Rossum, whose wide eyes and easy laugh may remind you of Julia Roberts, its surprising characters and the stunning coastal setting.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
This slight and pleasantly predictable film coasts along on the considerable charms of its cast and exotic setting.
Kim Morgan, Oregonian
There are movies that are made for the big screen, and movies that are made for the small screen; Passionada is the latter type.
Marta Barber, Miami Herald
Passionada is not as passionate as you may suspect. It's just a tender story about how opposites attract, and how much the nation is opening toward those who are different.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Passionada is a beguiling love story about two middle-agers who must set aside their loyalties to the past in order to forge a meaningful future together.