Holy Smoke 1999
"He had only one thing on his mind... but so did she!"
Jane Campion's *Holy Smoke (1999)* blends sharp wit with deep psychological tension as it follows Ruth Barron, a spirited young woman whose spiritual awakening in India takes an unexpected turn after she falls under the sway of a mystical guru.
Director: Jane Campion
Cast
Kate Winslet
Ruth Barron
Harvey Keitel
PJ Waters
Julie Hamilton
Mum
Sophie Lee
Yvonne
Dan Wyllie
Robbie
Paul Goddard
Tim
Tim Robertson
Dad
George Mangos
Yanni
Kerry Walker
Puss
Leslie Dayman
Bill-Bill
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Holy Smoke (1999) about?
*Holy Smoke (1999)* follows Ruth Barron, a young woman who embarks on a spiritual journey in India and returns transformed by her experience with a charismatic guru. Her family, desperate to reclaim her, hires PJ Waters, a cult deprogrammer tasked with bringing her back to reality—but Ruth proves far more complex than he anticipated.
Who directed Holy Smoke?
Jane Campion, the acclaimed director behind *The Piano*, helmed *Holy Smoke (1999)*.
Who stars in Holy Smoke?
Kate Winslet leads the cast as Ruth Barron, joined by Harvey Keitel as PJ Waters, with Julie Hamilton, Sophie Lee, and Dan Wyllie rounding out the principal roles.
Is Holy Smoke (1999) worth watching?
With its sharp direction from Jane Campion and powerhouse performances—especially from Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel—*Holy Smoke (1999)* is a compelling watch for fans of psychological dramas and dark comedies. Its exploration of faith, freedom, and personal agency makes it a thought-provoking film that rewards attentive viewers.
How long is Holy Smoke?
Holy Smoke (1999) has a runtime of 115 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Holy Smoke (1999) — A Battle of Wills in Jane Campion's Provocative Drama
Jane Campion's *Holy Smoke (1999)* blends sharp wit with deep psychological tension as it follows Ruth Barron, a spirited young woman whose spiritual awakening in India takes an unexpected turn after she falls under the sway of a mystical guru. Her family, alarmed by her transformation, enlists the help of PJ Waters, a brash and unconventional cult interventionist who finds himself outmatched by Ruth's fiery intellect and unshakable resolve. Set against the stark beauty of the Australian outback, this darkly comedic drama explores themes of control, liberation, and the clash between dogma and personal truth.
The film crackles with the tension of a psychological standoff, featuring standout performances from Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel, who deliver electric chemistry as two formidable personalities locked in a battle of wills. Campion crafts a story that's as much about the battle of the sexes as it is about the search for meaning, delivering a film that's both intellectually stimulating and viscerally engaging. Whether you're drawn to its sharp dialogue, complex characters, or provocative themes, *Holy Smoke (1999)* is a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
