Still Breathing (1997)

62% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(2,988 ratings)

This romantic fantasy from writer, director, and producer James F. Robinson, stars Brendan Fraser as Fletcher McBracken, a starry-eyed San Antonio puppeteer who, like his father and grandfather before him, has a mystical vision of the woman he's fated to marry. Believing that she'll be found in… More This romantic fantasy from writer, director, and producer James F. Robinson, stars Brendan Fraser as Fletcher McBracken, a starry-eyed San Antonio puppeteer who, like his father and grandfather before him, has a mystical vision of the woman he's fated to marry. Believing that she'll be found in "Formosa" (the one-time name of Taiwan), Fletcher books a flight. During a stopover in L.A., however, he learns of a trendy bar called Formosa and decides to check it out. Sure enough, Fletcher sees his dream girl, Rosalyn Willoughby (Joanna Going), a con artist on the lookout for a new mark, a millionaire from Texas. Assuming that Fletcher is the man she's supposed to bilk, Rosalyn accompanies him to San Antonio, where she meets his tuba-playing grandmother (Celeste Holm) and his eccentric friends, including the Tree Man (Lou Rawls). Charmed against her will by Fletcher, Rosalyn considers a real romance with the daffy artist, but each of them has some revelations to make before a real relationship can begin. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 50 min.
Directed By: James F. Robinson
Written By: James F. Robinson
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: May 1, 1998 Wide
On DVD: May 1, 2001
Studio: October Films

Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
There's a depth and caring to Still Breathing that you don't find in the usual major studio fare.
Joe Leydon, Variety
A light and bright romantic comedy.
Moira MacDonald, Film.com
The film's success ultimately rests on the couple -- and not once in this film, aside from a lot of wispy talk about fate and dreams, did I see any reason why these two opposites would be drawn to each other.
Robert Horton, Film.com
This is a story that has been told many times before, but generally with more energy than this.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
A gooey, swooning swatch of romantic hyperventilation, its queasy charms. And let it be said that surrendering to those charms could be as guilt-inducing as polishing off a pint of Haagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream before lunch.
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies
Surprisingly charming and romantic.
Madeleine Williams, Cinematter
If you're in the mood for a pleasant little romantic comedy, Still Breathing hits all the right notes. Cynicism need not apply.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Another fine attempt at breaking the mold of romantic comedy ... but lacking, oddly, the comedy.
Peter Henne, Film Journal International
A story that places no constraints on happy coincidences, as this one, always teeters on the brink of corniness.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Sweet, moving, and with an irresistible magic all its own.