Holy Matrimony (1994)

Beautiful movie, friends. What starts of as a wild, greedy couple robbing money to live the good life turns out at the end as a story of lives changed from selfishness to selflessness, of pure love and simply that doing the right thing can heal any guilt you hold.Sorry if I sounded somewhat mushy but Holy Matrimony was both comical & holy(kinda!). A very interesting storyline and so many hilarious scenes. And also moments where the our lead characters Havana(essayed very well by Patricia Arquette) learns life lessons from the child Ezekiel(wonderful acting by Inception fame Joseph Gordon-Levitt).Truly, Joseph stole the show and can be regarded as the soul of the movie. And some really touching dialogues by both characters Havana and Ezekiel that leaves you impressed.Maybe there could have been more action(like more thrilling chasing scenes by the bad guys) that would have been enough to push the movie a notch higher than the cool entertainment it is. Also, I was little annoyed by the fake laughing of some cops towards the final. But these are minor flaws in an otherwise enjoyable fare.Though, I would caution children watching this as there are some nearly nude scenes of Havana.Verdict: A delightful treat. Leaves you smiling from start to end.

I have this on LaserDisc, and watch it again now and then. I enjoy the depiction of the Hutterites and their moral life, and how they come to influence Arquette.This is intended to be a strong, moral tale of the perils of evil, and how a good man can turn a bad woman around. Arquette starts out as a carnival worker obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, thinking that Monroe's cheerful public persona meant Monroe was happy. She considers how money would make her happy and doesn't think at all about what stealing is, when she helps stage a robbery.Her accomplice, Tate, steals, drinks (while, *gasp*, driving!), and uses others, pretty consistently. Quite self-centered and moderately charming.Watching the Hutterite community reluctantly admit Arquette first as Tate's wife, then as Gordon-Levitt's wife, we see a disciplined community, remaining steadfast and true to their teachings and beliefs. Arquette, on the other hand, we see first ridicule and play at adapting to the Hutterites, then later actually expressing their beliefs and values in her life.The only Hutterite we see change is Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Who goes from a fainting exasperation of Arquette to a reluctant concern for her, to admiration and respect. This change occurs when Arquette stops reflecting the shallow culture she started out in, and begins to hold an appreciation for moral beliefs and respect. And, in the end, a love of family and friends.The storytelling is a bit rougher than a Disney-type family film, nor was it popular for showing Godly beliefs as being comforting and supportive. The comedy is a bit earthy, mostly about clashing customs. The Hutterites are all shown to be consistently moral, cheerful, generous, and respectful. We don't get much of their actual teachings (a reclusive Jewis sect, I believe). I especially enjoy one scene where Gordon-Levitt challenges how Arquette picks a guy (from a bar), 'Is his word golden? Is he gentle with animals and children?' The movie plot may be weaker than need be, but it is told in a *nice* way.

Why can't more movies like this be put in for oscar awards. There is not much more to say than complete excellence. I just wish Dan Cossolini would do more movies. He is a superb actor & I believe it is a shame that he hasn't done any movies lately. This movie is a classic & you can't even find it on DVD. I wish I could get my hands on a copy!!!

Donovan brings girlfriend Arquette to his native Hutterite community in an attempt to hide from the law after a robbery. They marry but shortly after he dies and -in keeping with the biblical tradition- his 12 year old brother must take his place in the marriage! Joseph Gordon-Levitt is terrific as little Zeke, but the plot involving a crazed FBI-agent should have been left out of this story.