Cousins

Plot synopsis:
Larry Kozinski (Danson) and Maria Hardy (Rossellini) meet at the marriage of Larry's uncle Phil and Maria's mother Edie (Aleandro). Newly made cousins-by-marriage, they find they have more in common than expected as their respective spouses, insecure Tish (Young) and boorish Tom (Petersen) begin an affair. Over a series of ritualized family events, dreamer Larry and repressed Maria decide to exact revenge on their spouses by pretending to have an affair themselves. Their good-natured plan takes on unexpected gravity when they learn not only are they great friends, but they realize they're falling in love with each other.
They consummate the affair, but the ramifications shake their families, including Larry's artistic son Mitch (Coogan) and Maria's adorable but aggressive daughter Chloe (Isabelle). They end the affair to bring stability back into their families' lives. Meanwhile, (after the sudden death of Uncle Phil), Larry's father Vince (Bridges) becomes interested in his widowed sister-in-law Edie and courts her.
Larry and Maria meet again some time later at Vince and Edie's wedding. Encouraged by Tish (who had split from Larry earlier in the film), he asks Maria to "dance with him", angering Tom but convincing Maria to break free from her unhappy marriage. In an epilogue, Larry and Maria are seen sailing away with their children, living a fantasy they had shared from their earlier affair.

Tags: revenge, romantic

Review:
Watching this wonderful film will make you believe that true happiness is out there, somewhere.The romantic love that gives you butterflies in your tummy.
The casting is great and Lloyd Bridges gives a performance to remember him by.
"Cousins", a pleasing knock-off of Oscar nominated French "Cousin, Cousine", tells of a man who has an affair with another woman while their partners are doing the same; concomitant relationships, one carnal and the other romantic.
Full of quirky Euro-Am ethnic family members, this lively and sweet blast from the past is a light-hearted blend of sentimental, romantic, funny, and poignant moments well worth a first look or revisit..
a wonderful little/big movie..
I loved the 1975 French movie "Cousin, Cousine" (roughly pronounced 'koo-ZAN koo-ZEEN', for the non-francophiles).
It was a very funny, very sexy and "tres French" movie.So I rolled my eyes when I heard of this American remake, especially when I learned that Ted Danson would play the male lead.
Nothing against Mr. Danson's abilities, but I assumed the casting of a television star -- "Cheers" was still going strong on NBC at the time -- meant that bigger names had identified this film as a stinker and were staying away.I was happily surprised when this remake turned out to be as funny, warm and romantic (if a tad less sexy) than the original.
In fact, it's nearly the same movie, and in this case that's a good thing.
Thankfully Paramount didn't feel the need to alter too much.Like "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (which came after), most of the action in this movie takes place at various ritual gatherings of family and friends.
Danson and Isabella Rossellini play cousins by marriage who are each saddled with attractive but less than desirable mates: hilarious performances by Sean Young and William L.
Petersen.In fact, everyone is good in this movie.
It should have led to better movie parts for Mr. Danson, but unfortunately it wasn't a financial success.
Again, if the film had done better at the box office, he might have earned an academy award nomination."Cousins" is a large-cast movie that leaves one feeling good without ignoring the pain in life.
and all observed from a slightly removed point of view, so that we see ourselves and also see that we shouldn't always take ourselves too seriously.Don't let your preconceptions keep you away from "Cousins."  It's a wonderful little/big movie..
Well made American rendition of the 1975 French farce, "Cousin-cousine," with Danson and the enchanting Rosselini playing cousins by marriage who meet at a wedding, develop a relationship and then fall in love.
Wonderful performances from Lloyd Bridges and Norma Alejandro help move this glorious film along that glows with humor, warmth and the sheer joy of life..
Don't know why, but one of my favorite movies..
I can't put my finger on it, but this is one of my favorite movies.
Could be the music, could be the story, but most likely it is the wonderful character development.
You know these people by the end of the movie.
This movie really snuck up on me, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much.
So, I guess this commentary just doomed the movie to mediocrity for all those who see it for the first time after reading my opinion..
This picture has all the elements you need for a great romantic movie.
Mostly it will make you laugh and tug at your heart strings.You really start to feel for Larry (Danson) and Maria (Rossellini).
Larry and his wife Tish (Young) care for each other but aren't in love, and Maria and her husband Tom (Petersen) seemed to be trapped together because they have a young daughter.
The story gets started when, at the wedding reception of Maria's mother Edie (Aleandro), Tish and Tom sneak off and fool around together.
In the mean time back at the reception, Larry and Maria meet and begin talking, and when their spouses show up together, are both suspicious, but say nothing.
And there's quite a bit that will make you happy and sad along the way.This is a great movie for a lazy Saturday afternoon....
I am not a great lover of "art film" and I remember finding Cousin Cousine pleasant but very self-conscious and lacking credibility.
Of course, we begin with the ridiculous premise that the husband of the lovely Isabella Rosselini is a lecherous creep and that the more sympathetically portrayed wife of Ted Danson so insecure as to be attracted to him.
Isabella is, to me at least, beautiful as ever and the supporting cast is terrific.
Sean Young, Lloyd Bridges and Norma Aleandro are great but the quality extends all the way down to the short appearance by the plump lady who played the dancing teacher "Mrs Greenblat".
A beautiful, gloriously romantic film.
Schumacher has never made a better film; this one is filled with good humor and lovely dialogue, and filmed with great love at a variety of interesting locations.
All four principal characters are well-played, with Rossellini a standout because of her character's lovable good nature.
A real treat for lovers of comedy or romance, with a perfect, perfect ending..
This is my ALL-TIME favorite movie!!!.
You wouldn't think that Ted Danson would translate well to the big screen, but he is magical in the role of Larry Kozinski.
Isabella Rossellini is her usual beautiful, understated, elegant self in the role of Maria.
Sean Young, Norma Aleandro, Lloyd Bridges, Keith Coogan, and William Petersen round out an excellent ensemble.
I could watch this movie every day and find something new every time I watch it.
This movie is sly, sophisticated, funny, sad, and very, very real.
Sometimes a remake gets better than the original one.
I have just watched the movie on TV and after checking the rate on IMDb I have to do my own review about it.
I saw the original French movie some years ago and it was a nice movie with that 70's look that I really love and bring a lot of memories from my childhood.
The American remake just follow closely the original story.
So followers of the original French movie will be happy about it.
We really believe those cousins are falling in love.....that look, that smile......sometimes they don't need to talk to get the message.
Lloyd Bridges, Norma Aleandro, and of course their grandson and the old lady always complaining about it.
So, if you are looking for a perfect movie to spend a rainy day lying on the sofa, give it a try.
This pearl of a movie has stood the test of time.
Having no expectations, this movie completely got to me back in 1989.
The atmosphere, the chemistry between the main characters, the sad eyes of Ted Danson (when he's sad, not all the time of course), the shy but still uninhibited smile Isabella Rosselini can't hold back when in love, the seriousness blended with great humor (like when Marias husband after an upsetting and sad scene with Maria, calls Larry leaving a message to stay away from his wife), the music, the side stories and supporting cast - it's just a witty and intelligent (I rarely find both in American movies) story about true love.
A feel good movie that make me think of it for days after I've seen it..
I can't imagine why this movie has only received a rating of 6 in this database.
Enjoyable Actors, OK Late '80s US Version of French Film.
Beautiful casting & Canadian mountain/lake countryside raise this film above '80s style, depressing home interiors, & French amorality (<-play on words "amor" & "amoral").Classic European Isabella Rossellini's Gemini charm mesmerizingly packaged in hybrid of famed Nordic actress mother Ingrid Bergman & great Italian pater genes is glorious inside & out in the most layered role (though I'd watch her in anything, like her next-gen doppelganger Juliette Binoche).
Here Rossellini reminds me of similarly radiant Irish actress Ellen Burstyn in parallel film "Same Time Next Year" with equally genuine co-star Alan Alda conveying sincerity like Ted Danson enjoyable here in a non-stereotyped role like "Cheers," more like his later "Becker." Stunning Celtic beauty Sean Young is always intriguing & with a vulnerability surprising in such breathtaking eye candy.
Vintage Lloyd Bridges, more handsome & better acting than earlier film styles, allowed engages us in the less callow inner world of seniors while a lad plays his grandson in still 21st Century relevant counterculture c o m e d i e/satire.This little-altered US version of French "Cousin, Cousine" is not only reminiscent of "Same Time Next Year" but also "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "Four Weddings & a Funeral" though not as much heat or heart as those but still a watchable romp through karma leaving us with the philosophical jog that "No man is promised tomorrow"{Bible Book of Proverbs}, so "Carpe Diem/Seize the Day" & when something isn't working, acknowledge it and take advantage of windows of opportunities to try to fix or change but always living your life to the full every minute at every age..
The casting is great and Danson gives a performance of a lifetime.
I thought that there was really good chemistry between the two main characters.
Cousins is one of those rare films that uses reality differently.Instead of beating us all with the heavy handed notion that anything real equates to reasons to slit our wrists, Cousins, seem to suggest that reality can be also magical.
An all too uncommon trait within the artist to make art that is life affirming in the light that being mortal is fraught with struggle and disappointment.Make no mistake, this film covers those aspects too.
You can either make it chicken sh*t or chicken salad.As unpoetic as this philosophy sounds, the film itself unfolds poetically with almost ordinary people doing extraordinary things through the magical power of love.
They don't even do it by offering flowers but by giving their time and opening up to each other with honesty and good humor.Love is not just about the big sweeping gestures but about the small things we do...
this world captured by Cousins offers second chances.
I truly believe this film captures such magic in day to day living..
Adultery never looked so romantic.
COUSINS (1989) *** Ted Danson, Isabella Rossellini, Sean Young, William Petersen, Lloyd Bridges, Keith Coogan, Norma Aleandro.
Entertaining tale of adultery among married relatives and really about true love appearing in the least likely of places.
Danson is charming and Rossellini radiantly beguiling.
American remake of French flick "Cousine, Cousine"..
A remake that in many ways is better than the original.
Pound for pound, the best movie Joel Schumacher has ever directed.
Perhaps, he should remake more French flicks.
Featuring fine performances by Ted Danson, Isabella Rossellini, and Sean Young in what may be her best role.
Lloyd Bridges and Keith Coogan, however, are the standouts, playing Danson's father and son, respectively.
The only part of Cousin, Cousine I liked better was William Petersen's character.
In the French version he is more bitter, self deprecating, funny, and sympathetic..
A Film for Real Love and Life.
Larry is really a a good man who is so true to himself for teaching dance as his career disregarding the traditional thinking of a career because he finds happiness there; and he loves kid very much too --- that's why he dances happily with fat lady student and Maria's daughter.Maria is a good wife, for the goodness' sake of her daughter, she request a separation from Larry's friendship.
But a family without love, like Maria and Tom, the children will not good as we saw the daughter do awkward thing in his father's car.Larry's father is a humorous but wise person, he tells Larry to grip his life --- chicken s**t or chicken salad is good motto for our life objective.Beautiful is the word for the film, the cast, the songs, the camera view, the music, the laughters and tears; and last but not least, the life mission--- be happy and go and get what you really love!.
Dance teacher Larry Kozinski (Ted Danson) has teenage son Mitch and is married to second wife Tish (Sean Young) for a couple of years.
Edie's daughter Maria (Isabella Rossellini) is married to womanizing car salesman Tom Hardy (William Petersen) and they have a daughter named Chloe.
When Phil dies, Larry's father Vincent (Lloyd Bridges) attends the funeral.There is a possibility that Joel Schumacher may not be the best choice as director for this type of movie.
He's saved by a charming coupling of Isabella Rossellini and Ted Danson.
Young and Petersen are good foils.
a real gem of a film.
one of the best films i've ever seen ..
Ted danson was great in this part ..
it was made during his cheers years but he's nothing like SAM Malone in this movie ..
William Peterson was great too as the husband who loses his wife because of his cheating heart ..
Sean young as Ted's wife also played her part perfectly as did Isabella roselini ..
Lloyd bridges was wonderful as the dad ..
all the characters were believable and altho funny at times also very real..
the film is a touching story about what to do if you fall in love ..
There are some very wistful moments in this movie, and some that are, how shall I say?, raucous, for want of a better word.
Still, COUSINS is an enjoyable romance.
All the acting, especially Sean Young was immature.
Then you had the groom at wedding 'trying' to do some kind of sexy dance, as if it was his first time trying this move and the directors didn't even let him practice.
Exceptionally winning performance by Rossellini, lifts this movie to higher levels in the romantic comedy department.
The movie at first seems at bit confused but as soon as the romantic attraction between Rossellini and Danson begins to surface one just float away with the romantic hope that love is this easy - of course it seldom is, but at least we can see it here on screen.
"Cousins", Simply Irresistible, Isabella!.
Isabella Rossellini and Ted Danson!
They are the romantic leads in this romantic comedy, but they are married to other people, him to Sean Young and her to William Petersen.
If I recall correctly, Isabella and Sean are first cousins or something, but that's neither here or there.
(And, may not be right.) The story begins with the marriage of Uncle Phil (actor George Coe.) Through Sean and William's affair, Isabella and Ted meet and spend time together just because the others are off having fun, so why not?
But This is a mixed bag of sorts, in that while it boasts the beautiful Isabella Rossellini (who looks and sounds more and more like her mother Ingrid Bergman as she gets older) and has some of the most romantic and intimate scenes ever put on screen, it also is kind of irreverent in its own way, with a disrespectful view to convention, with several little things thrown in here and there.
And, the movie stresses the family as a unit, as they are seen together at important stages and events.Lloyd Bridges is on hand to give one of his most winning performances in his later years, if you don't count his silly "Hot Shots" movies.
And, he stayed lean in his later years, too, making him very "bankable" and/or "saleable." I've never been much of a Ted Danson fan (never watched "Cheers" as a rule, but saw some of the early years with Shelley Long), but I have to give it to him, that even he couldn't ruin this enchanting and very satisfying film.If you want a romance (and with beautiful Isabella Rossellini, to boot) and with a little spice added, then you know how to enjoy life!
This "Cousins" has great cast and some great moments..if you haven't seen the original probably you won't be disappointed with it.
Ted Danson who is refreshingly natural & charming, Lanoux is a little more natural & charming.Rossellini lacks the Sensual Magnetism that Barrault had & in her long costumes she appears even holier than a nun!!
Petersen as the husband is not enough jealous as the one Portrayed by Guy Marchand plus he is so funny when he breaks off with his girlfriends or when he gets into a fistfight with his partner who owes him money and gets a bloody nose..getting jealous watching his wife having an open affair but can not do anything.Sean Young is the wicked witch with "A three digit IQ" is not mad enough as the original wife.Lloyd Bridges is the only character who is better than the original.
So can I." Brilliant!!.The highlight of this movie is the long bike ride down the countryside breathtakingly captured by the director (Schumacher written all over it!!) This is the only moment that you don't feel tied down & suffocated by the forced attraction between the characters.
The director and the writers made a few changes in this movie worst one is when the loving cousins parents get married!!
I almost threw up watching them sail away at the end of the movie..Do yourself a favor watch the original.
Cousins I saw in the theater and there is nothing wrong with this movie but to be honest I didn't like it much when I saw it or perhaps I should say it didn't hold my attention that much.
I am not sure why that is because it was an interesting movie.
Of coarse I was quite young and I do believe this movie is more geared toward the adult viewing audience or at least young adult.But this movie is very well respected and features a great cast.
I'd give it another chance-the big family gatherings came back to mind when I watched "my big fat Greek wedding" and as a romance goes this movie had a certain sweetness.