Smoke 1995
"The most precious things are lighter than air."
Directed by Wayne Wang, *Smoke (1995)* is a quietly profound blend of comedy and drama that weaves together the lives of strangers in Brooklyn's cobblestone streets.
Director: Wayne Wang
Cast
Harvey Keitel
Augustus 'Auggie' Wren
William Hurt
Paul Benjamin
Stockard Channing
Ruby McNutt
Harold Perrineau
Thomas 'Rashid' Cole
Forest Whitaker
Cyrus Cole
Giancarlo Esposito
1st OTB Man / Tommy
José Zúñiga
2nd OTB Man / Jerry
Stephen Gevedon
OTB Man #3 / Dennis
Jared Harris
Jimmy Rose
Ashley Judd
Felicity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoke (1995) about?
Writer Paul Benjamin survives a near-fatal accident and forms an unlikely bond with Rashid Cole, a homeless man seeking his father. Meanwhile, Auggie Wren, the owner of a Brooklyn smoke shop, uncovers a personal revelation that upends his quiet routine.
Who directed Smoke?
Wayne Wang directed *Smoke*, infusing the film with a grounded, atmospheric style that highlights the everyday magic of city life.
Who stars in Smoke?
The ensemble cast features Harvey Keitel as Auggie Wren, William Hurt as Paul Benjamin, Stockard Channing as Ruby McNutt, and Harold Perrineau as Rashid Cole.
Is Smoke (1995) worth watching?
With its rich character studies and humanist themes, *Smoke* is a gem for fans of character-driven dramas. Its understated charm and stellar cast—especially Keitel's poignant performance—make it a rewarding watch for those who appreciate stories about connection and resilience.
How long is Smoke?
The film runs for 112 minutes, offering a perfectly paced exploration of its characters' lives.
🎥 Trailer
About Smoke (1995) — A Brooklyn Story of Fate, Family, and Cigarette Smoke
Directed by Wayne Wang, *Smoke (1995)* is a quietly profound blend of comedy and drama that weaves together the lives of strangers in Brooklyn's cobblestone streets. At its heart is Auggie Wren's smoke shop, a place where stories unfold as effortlessly as the wisps of cigarette smoke drifting through the air. When writer Paul Benjamin nearly becomes a bus's victim, he's saved by Rashid Cole, a drifter searching for his estranged father. Their unexpected bond—paired with Auggie's own revelation about a possible daughter—creates a tapestry of loneliness, serendipity, and hope. The film's melancholic warmth lingers long after the credits roll, celebrating the fragile connections that make life meaningful.
Starring Harvey Keitel as the enigmatic Auggie, William Hurt as the grieving Paul, and Stockard Channing as a woman who enters their orbit, *Smoke* captures the essence of urban life with humor and heartache. Wang's direction infuses every frame with a lived-in authenticity, turning an unassuming neighborhood into a stage for life's quiet transformations.
