Product: Moonstruck (1987)
Rating: 5.0
Romance and Beautiful Music, A Great Combination
This is the second time I've watched Moonstruck and it was every bit as charming the second time as it was the first. It is so easy to start caring about the characters and develop a concern for their happiness. Cher, in her Oscar winning role as Loretta Castorini, a 37 year old widowed book keeper, is a completely sympathetic character and wins your heart as she seeks to find companionship even if it's loveless.Nicholas Cage turns in a powerful performance as Ronny Cammareri, a tortured young man who was abandoned by his fiancé after an accident that cost him part of his hand. The chemistry between the two of them works beautifully on the screen and draws the viewer into the turmoil each of them faces as they see their lives and plans dramatically upset by the others arrival on the scene.All of the supporting roles headed up by Olympia Dukakis's Oscar winning role as Rose Castorini, Loretta's mother, are well performed, convincing and totally satisfying.The icing on the cake for those of us, who love opera, is the use of music from La Boheme. What is of particular interest is how selections taken from the opera parallel the action in the story. As Ronny and Loretta's love breaks forth the gorgeous music from the love duet in Act 1 of La Boheme fills the room. Other selections from the opera are used to reflect the problems and progress of their relationship.In summary, this is a keeper, worthy of repeated watching's; some of the romance scenes, although relatively modest by today's standards, gives this move a PG rating. On the whole, however, it leaves the viewer feeling good about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.I recommend it highly!