Smoking / No Smoking Poster

Smoking / No Smoking 1993

★ 6.568 votes298 min📅 1993-12-15

"Which one will you go see first?"

Alain Resnais' *Smoking / No Smoking (1993)* is a clever, dual-narrative drama that blends romance, comedy, and existential musings in the quaint setting of a Yorkshire village.

Director: Alain Resnais

Cast

Sabine Azéma
Sabine Azéma
Celia Teasdale / Sylvie Bell / Irene Pridworthy / Rowena Coombes / Josephine Hamilton
Pierre Arditi
Pierre Arditi
Toby Teasdale / Miles Coombes / Lionel Hepplewick / Joe Hepplewick
Peter Hudson
Peter Hudson
Narrator

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Smoking / No Smoking (1993) about?

Set in a sleepy Yorkshire village, this film follows characters whose lives diverge based on whether they light a cigarette or not. Two actors play multiple roles, showcasing how small choices can spiral into vastly different futures.

Who directed Smoking / No Smoking?

Alain Resnais, the visionary French director known for his innovative storytelling and collaborations with legendary screenwriters, helmed *Smoking / No Smoking (1993)*.

Who stars in Smoking / No Smoking?

The film features the exceptional duo Sabine Azéma and Pierre Arditi, joined by Peter Hudson in a pivotal supporting role.

Is Smoking / No Smoking (1993) worth watching?

With its sharp writing, dual narrative intrigue, and stellar performances, *Smoking / No Smoking (1993)* is a rewarding watch for fans of clever, thought-provoking cinema. Its blend of romance, comedy, and existential flair makes it a standout in Alain Resnais' filmography.

How long is Smoking / No Smoking?

*Smoking / No Smoking (1993)* runs for a total of 298 minutes, offering an immersive, multi-faceted cinematic experience.

About Smoking / No Smoking (1993) — A Clever Dual-Narrative Drama by Alain Resnais

Alain Resnais' *Smoking / No Smoking (1993)* is a clever, dual-narrative drama that blends romance, comedy, and existential musings in the quaint setting of a Yorkshire village. Through the lens of two masterful actors, Sabine Azéma and Pierre Arditi, the film explores how a single decision—lighting a cigarette—ripple through multiple lives, creating parallel universes of love, regret, and choice. Resnais crafts a witty yet poignant meditation on fate, where every cigarette becomes a portal to an alternate reality, revealing how small actions can redirect entire destinies.

With its razor-sharp dialogue and playful structure, the movie balances levity and depth, teasing out the absurdity and gravity of human decisions. The lush, pastoral backdrop contrasts with the razor-thin margins between happiness and heartbreak, making *Smoking / No Smoking (1993)* a film that lingers long after the credits roll—both as a clever puzzle and a deeply human story.