37-year-old Italian-American widow Loretta Castorini believes she is unlucky in love, and so accepts a marriage proposal from her boyfriend Johnny, even though she doesn't love him. When she meets his estranged younger brother Ronny, an emotional and passionate man, she finds herself drawn to him. She tries to resist, but Ronny, who blames his brother for the loss of his hand, has no scruples about aggressively pursuing her while Johnny is out of the country. As Loretta falls for Ronny, she learns that she's not the only one in her family with a secret romance.
Acting
Cher's Oscar win and Cage's unhinged baker—career peaks for both.
Writing
Shanley's dialogue snaps like a breadstick: 'I lost my hand! I lost my bride!'
Cinematography
That full moon over Brooklyn—romantic lighting that actually works.
Director
Norman Jewison
Cher
Loretta Castorini
Nicolas Cage
Ronny Cammareri
Vincent Gardenia
Cosmo Castorini
Olympia Dukakis
Rose Castorini
Danny Aiello
Mr. Johnny Cammareri
Julie Bovasso
Rita Cappomaggi
John Mahoney
Perry
Louis Guss
Raymond Capomaggi
Feodor Chaliapin Jr.
Old Man
Anita Gillette
Mona
Leonardo Cimino
Felix
Paula Trueman
Lucy
Nada Despotovich
Chrissy
Joe Grifasi
Shy Waiter
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Cher initially refused the role twice, thinking she was wrong for it; Jewison flew to New York to convince her in person.
The bread metaphor runs deep: Ronny lost his hand to the dough that feeds others, and love itself requires the same dangerous kneading.
US
