Big Night

Big Night

Year: 1996

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Drama

Two Italian immigrant brothers, Primo and Secondo, work tirelessly to keep their Jersey Shore restaurant, Paradise, from closing. Facing financial hardship, they seize an opportunity to cater a lavish dinner party for singer Louis Prima and his orchestra. Determined to showcase their authentic cuisine and passion, the brothers prepare an elaborate and unforgettable meal, hoping it will be their last chance to save their dream.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Big Night (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Big Night (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

The 1950s was a transformative era in America, marked by post-war optimism and a wave of immigration, particularly from Italy. During this time, traditional Italian cuisine began to adapt to American palates, leading to a cultural clash between authentic cooking and commercialized dishes.

Location

New Jersey, Paradise, Pascal's

The story unfolds along the picturesque shores of New Jersey, showcasing the charming yet struggling restaurant named 'Paradise' run by the two brothers. The restaurant symbolizes their dreams and culinary passion, while 'Pascal's', owned by a rival, represents contrasting success despite mediocrity in food.

🌊 Coastal 🍽️ Restaurant

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:31

Main Characters – Big Night (1996)

Meet the key characters of Big Night (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Primo (Stanley Tucci)

Primo is the elder brother, a skilled chef whose dedication to authentic Italian cuisine often clashes with the expectations of his customers. His passion for food is evident, yet he grapples with feelings of frustration and disappointment as their restaurant's success dwindles.

👨‍🍳 Chef 🥘 Passionate 😠 Discontented

Secondo (Tony Shalhoub)

Secondo is the younger brother, torn between his managerial ambitions and his personal life challenges. He embodies the struggle of balancing dreams with harsh reality while navigating complicated romantic relationships that add to his burdens.

💼 Businessman 💔 Torn ⚖️ Ambitious

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:31

Major Themes – Big Night (1996)

Explore the central themes of Big Night (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🍝 Culinary Passion

The film explores the immense dedication to culinary artistry through Primo's meticulous cooking. It highlights the challenges faced by chefs who aspire to maintain authenticity while catering to evolving tastes, reflecting a broader struggle within immigrant communities.

💔 Relationships

At the core of the narrative are the complicated relationships between the characters, particularly Secondo's affair with Gabriella and its implications on his bond with Phyllis. These entanglements emphasize the personal sacrifices and emotional turmoil experienced in pursuit of dreams.

💡 Dreams vs. Reality

The tension between ambition and disillusionment is palpable as the brothers strive to achieve success with their restaurant. Their dreams are constantly challenged by reality, culminating in a bittersweet resolution that underscores the enduring strength of familial bonds.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:31

Unlock the Full Story of Big Night

Don't stop at just watching — explore Big Night in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Big Night is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Big Night Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Big Night, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Big Night Summary

Big Night Timeline

Track the full timeline of Big Night with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Big Night Timeline

More About Big Night

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More About Big Night

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