Moonstruck

Moonstruck is a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy directed by Norman Jewison, crafted around a screenplay by John Patrick Shanley. The film was released in 1987 and features a star-studded cast, led by Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis, and includes Vincent Gardenia, Danny Aiello, and John Mahoney. Known for its memorable characters, amusing dialogue, and authentic Brooklyn charm, this film flaunts the old-world Italian-American culture seamlessly blending it with the essence of romance, giving viewers a magical concoction of love and humor.

The story is centered around Loretta Castorini, a captivating character played by Cher. Loretta is an enchanting blend of pragmatism, cynicism and dreamy romanticism. She is an independent, 37-year-old Italian-American bookkeeper residing in Brooklyn, who believes herself to be cursed with bad luck, owing to an ill-fated initial marriage that ended in tragedy. Danny Aiello plays Johnny Cammareri, Loretta’s boyfriend, who believes in destiny and proposes to her spontaneously. Loretta matter-of-factly accepts, despite there being no grand gestures of love.

As the plot twists, Johnny beckons her to convince his younger brother Ronnie, a passionate baker played by Nicolas Cage, to attend their approaching nuptials. Ronnie, a tempestuous soul with a prosthetic hand, blames his brother for his current life: his lost hand and his lost love. Nonetheless, Loretta is determined to fulfill her promise to Johnny, leading her to an unpredictable course of events that professionally deals with themes of destiny, love and the full moon's mystical influence.

Meanwhile, the film beautifully weaves the subplot of Loretta's parents. Her mother, Rose played by Olympia Dukakis, is aware of her husband's ongoing affair, causing her to contemplate the ideals of love, fidelity and the mysteries of men.

Moonstruck's magic lies in its charismatic characters and their dialogue delivery. The characters, although flawed, are affable in their simplicity and authenticity. The dialogues are sharp, witty, and filled with a measure of wisdom, that effortlessly draw you into the film's narrative. The emotional pull of the characters, combined with Italian opera arias choreographed with poetic cinematography, creates a noticeable aura of romantic enchantment throughout the movie.

The movie is dignified with talented performances from its exceptional cast. Cher delivers a noteworthy performance, packing in enough depth, charm, and wit to make Loretta an unforgettable character. Her portrayal of Loretta won her an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and the Cannes film festival best-actress prize. Nicolas Cage brings a unique charisma and an intense energy to his romantically tortured character, Ronnie, which contributes significantly to the film's eccentric charm.

Complementing this duo are Rose and Cosmo Castorini, played by Olympia Dukakis and Vincent Gardenia. Dukakis, who won an Oscar for her role, suffuses her character with humor and wisdom, while Gardenia's portrayal of Cosmo as an astray husband who quivers between his mistress and the ill-treatment of his wife, tethered viewers' interest till the end.

The excellence of the screenplay is not overstated, having won an Academy Award and a Writer's Guild Award for Original Screenplay. Combining humorous elements with several hauntingly sublime moments, the narrative rivets you with a story that unfolds in peculiarly enchanting ways. Atypical for a romantic comedy, 'Moonstruck' gently unveils deep, poignant truths about trio relationships of family, romantic partners, and within oneself.

There's an ethereal quality to Moonstruck that sweeps you off your feet, much like its central theme of love. One cannot merely watch this romantic comedy, but instead, one must surrender and lose oneself in its charm. It takes you on a picturesque journey across Brooklyn, under the watchful and bewitching influence of the moon. This tale of star-crossed lovers, familial obligations, and the pursuit and understanding of love in its many forms provides a touching insight into the endless capacity of the human heart for transformation and the surreal power of love.

In conclusion, Moonstruck is a well-crafted tribute to the magic of cinema, love, and human imperfection. From the fantastic ensemble cast to the brilliant direction, writing, and a heart-touching soundtrack, it offers all the elements that have made the film endure the test of time, transforming it into an iconic romantic comedy. The movie embodies an undeniable charm that leaves viewers returning for repeat viewings, ensnared by its unique blend of moonlit whimsicality.