Mermaids (1990)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Richard Benjamin

Writers (WGA):

Patty Dann (novel)
June Roberts (screenplay)

Release Date:

14 December 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

This is our mother. Pray for us.

Plot:

An unconventional single mother relocates with her two daughters to a small Massachusetts town in 1963, where a number of events and relationships both challenge and strengthen their familial bonds.

Plot Keywords:

Mother | 1963 | Single Mother | Massachusetts | Kennedy Assassination

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 3 wins

Cast

Cher	...	Mrs. Flax
Bob Hoskins	...	Lou Landsky
Winona Ryder	...	Charlotte Flax
Michael Schoeffling	...	Joe
Christina Ricci	...	Kate Flax
Caroline McWilliams	...	Carrie
Jan Miner	...	Mother Superior
Betsy Townsend	...	Mary O'Brien
Richard McElvain	...	Mr. Crain
Paula Plum	...	Mrs. Crain
Dossy Peabody	...	Coach Parker
William Paul Steele	...	Boss in Oklahoma
Rex Trailer	...	Dr. Reynolds
Pete Kovner	...	Perfect Family Father
Patricia Madden	...	Perfect Family Mother

Runtime:

110 min | Canada:93 min (Ontario - edited version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | Iceland:L | Portugal:M/12 | Canada:PA (Ontario) | New Zealand:PG | Australia:M (TV rating) | Argentina:13 | Australia:PG | Chile:14 | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Germany:12 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Big Lake, Texas, USA

Trivia:

This was to be the American film debut for director Lasse Hallström, until he repeatedly clashed with lead actress Cher and was replaced first by Frank Oz and then by 'Richard Benjamin'.

Goofs:

Anachronisms: As the groceries are being put away, a Dole can with a 1990s logo is visible in the refrigerator.

Quotes:

Charlotte Flax: A word about Mrs. Flax and food: the word is "hors d'oeurves." Fun Finger Foods is her main source book and it's all the woman cooks.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Jam & Jerusalem: Christmas Panto (#1.7)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

Fever

Winona's finest hour

Winona Ryder is fantastic in this movie - its a helluva part and she plays it for all it is worth. Whether she is worshipping Joe (the local hunk-deluxe), or watching 'The Singing Nun' on television, she is completely believable. Her relationship with her less-than-perfect Mother (Cher) is also believable. As a bonus, you get Christina Ricci and Bob Hoskins and some beautiful cinematography. It also has a real feel for the 60's.

Downsides are one cliche too many (WHY does every movie that takes place in the 60's have to feature JFK's assassination?) and it goes on a tad too long, but its worth watching for sure.