One from the Heart

Synopsis

One from the Heart is a visually stunning 1981 romantic musical drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The story follows the emotional journey of Hank and Frannie, a couple who decide to break up after a five-year relationship, only to rediscover their feelings amid the neon-lit backdrop of Las Vegas. The film delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of romantic relationships, presented through a vibrant, stylistic portrayal combining music, dance, and surreal set designs. With performances by Teri Garr and Frederic Forrest, One from the Heart offers a unique cinematic experience that explores both the pain and passion found at the intersections of love and loss.

Cast

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  Teri Garr

  Frannie

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  Frederic Forrest

  Hank

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  Raúl Juliá

  Ray

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  Nastassja Kinski

  Leila

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  Lainie Kazan

  Maggie

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  Harry Dean Stanton

  Moe

Reviews

Critically, One from the Heart has elicited mixed responses since its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 50% approval rating, reflecting an evenly divided audience and critic sentiment. Some praise the film's extravagant visual style and ambitious production design, calling it a dazzling cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. For instance, Roger Ebert acknowledged the film’s uniqueness but noted that its narrative felt overshadowed by the overwhelming aesthetics. IMDb rates it 6.5/10, indicating an average but generally favorable viewer response. Meanwhile, Metacritic assigns a score of 57/100, signaling mixed or average reviews from critics. Common critiques focus on the film's perceived overindulgence in visuals and music at the expense of character development and plot coherence. Nonetheless, fans of stylized musicals and Coppola’s experimental work often cite One from the Heart as a cult classic that offers a memorable though polarizing experience.