"Practical Magic" is a 1998 American romantic comedy film directed by Griffin Dunne and starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The film is based on the 1995 novel of the same name by Alice Hoffman and follows the story of two sisters with magical abilities who must confront their family's curse and find love in order to break the spell. The film explores themes of love, sisterhood, and the power of magic. It is set in a small town on the Massachusetts coast and revolves around the Owens family, who are known for their magical abilities dating back to the Salem witch trials. The Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, are raised by their eccentric aunts, Frances and Bridget, after their parents die under mysterious circumstances. As the sisters grow older, they both inherit the family's magical abilities but have contrasting perspectives on love.

“What did the witch say?”: Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s Movie Producer Had a Chilling Call With a “Witch” After Offending Her With His Offer

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman's Practical Magic caught the witch's eye!

SUMMARY

• Griffin Dunne, the director of Practical Magic, wanted to film a gripping exorcism.
• Dunne enlisted the help of a witch consultant for the project to perfect the scene.
• Apparently, the witch consultant took deep offense, and wanted a share in the profits.

Practical Magic graced the screens in the United States on October 16, 1998. The film features a stellar cast including Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Aidan Quinn, Goran Visnjic, a young Evan Rachel Wood, and, most notably, the fabulous aunts portrayed by Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing. However, the movie was literally cursed.

Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) are siblings hailing from a lineage of witches. In a dire situation, when Gillian’s abusive partner, Jimmy (Visnjic), kidnaps them and resorts to physical violence, Sally resorts to a desperate act, slipping belladonna into his tequila. This impulsive move results in an unintended fatality, throwing them into a state of panic. In their frantic efforts to revive him, things take a sinister turn as Jimmy’s spirit ends up inhabiting Gillian. This twist of fate ultimately leads to a gripping exorcism.

As the sisters grow older, they both inherit the family's magical abilities but have contrasting perspectives on love. Sally is cautious and skeptical of romance, while Gillian embraces passion and impulsiveness. Their lives take a turn when Gillian falls in love with a dangerous man who ends up dying under suspicious circumstances.

The Director Hired A Witch Consultant For The Film

Practical Magic stands out as a remarkable romantic film, uniquely blending diverse tones that encompass humor, a dark thriller narrative involving an abusive boyfriend, and supernatural elements, all in a single cinematic concoction. Griffin Dunne, renowned for his roles in Scorsese’s After Hours and An American Werewolf in London, directed the film. He even enlisted the expertise of a witch consultant for the project, a decision that would unexpectedly cast a mystical veil over the production when the consultant inadvertently placed a curse upon it.

Практическая магия (1998)

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Desperate to revive him, Gillian turns to her sister for help, and together they resurrect him using their magic. However, their actions have unintended consequences, unleashing a powerful curse that puts their family in danger. Throughout the film, the sisters must navigate their complicated love lives, deal with the consequences of their actions, and find a way to break the family curse. Along the way, they encounter a variety of quirky and colorful characters, including a mystical detective investigating the curse and a quirky neighbor who becomes a love interest for Sally. "Practical Magic" combines elements of romance, comedy, and fantasy to create a unique and captivating story. The film's visual effects, charming cast, and enchanting soundtrack contribute to its magical atmosphere. It explores the complexities of relationships and the choices we make in the pursuit of love. Overall, "Practical Magic" is a lighthearted and entertaining film that explores themes of love, sisterhood, and the power of magic. It tells a whimsical story of family, curses, and finding one's own path, reminding us that sometimes the best magic is the love and support we receive from those closest to us..

Reviews for "The Role of Family in Practical Magic: Unbreakable Bonds"

1. John - 2 stars - Practical Magic was a disappointment for me. The storyline felt all over the place, with too many subplots that didn't really add anything to the overall narrative. The characters also lacked depth and development, making it difficult for me to care about their struggles and relationships. Additionally, the magical elements felt forced and cliché, failing to add any intrigue or excitement to the story. Overall, Practical Magic fell flat for me and I wouldn't recommend it.

2. Lisa - 1 star - This movie was a complete waste of time. The plot was thin and predictable, relying on tired tropes of witches and love spells. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. The pacing was slow and dragging, with not enough action or suspense to keep me engaged. The supernatural elements were also poorly executed, coming off as cheesy and unconvincing. I couldn't wait for the credits to roll and I definitely won't be watching this again.

3. David - 2.5 stars - Practical Magic had all the potential to be a great film, but it fell short in its execution. The story felt scattered and disjointed, with too many subplots that never fully resolved. The performances were also underwhelming, with the talented cast unable to salvage the weak script. While the visual effects were decent, they couldn't make up for the lack of substance in the storyline. Overall, Practical Magic was a missed opportunity and left me wanting more depth and coherence.

Style Icons of Practical Magic: Stealing the Owens Sisters' Look