Green Card Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A French dude and an American lady pretend to be married for paperwork reasons and then *gasp* they actually fall in love, proving once and for all that immigration fraud is the key to true happiness!

🍿 Green Card: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Marriage of Convenience

In New York City, Brontë Parrish, an American horticulturist, and Georges Fauré, a Frenchman seeking to stay in the US, enter into a marriage of convenience. They barely know each other, having been introduced by a mutual friend. Georges needs a Green Card to remain in the country and pursue his musical aspirations, while Brontë requires a marriage certificate to secure her dream apartment, complete with a greenhouse for her plant collection.

Immigration Investigation

Their plan is disrupted when immigration services begin investigating their marriage. To avoid deportation for Georges and potential legal trouble for Brontë, their lawyer advises them to live together and convincingly portray themselves as a genuine couple. This forces the mismatched pair to navigate the complexities of cohabitation and feign affection.

Hiding the Truth

Living together proves challenging as Brontë and Georges clash due to their contrasting personalities and lifestyles. They struggle to conceal their sham marriage from Brontë’s friends, family, and her boyfriend, Phil. Hilarity ensues as they attempt to create a believable facade for the immigration authorities and those around them.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Georges (Gérard Depardieu): A French composer who enters a marriage of convenience to obtain a green card and remain in the United States.
• Brontë (Andie MacDowell): An American horticulturist who marries Georges to secure her dream apartment with a greenhouse.
• Lauren (Bebe Neuwirth): Brontë’s friend who is initially suspicious of Georges and Brontë’s sudden marriage.
• Phil (Gregg Edelman): Brontë’s boyfriend who is unaware of her marriage to Georges.
• Gorsky (Ethan Phillips): One of the immigration officers investigating Georges and Brontë’s marriage.
• Mrs. Sheehan (Mary Louise Wilson): The other immigration officer who, along with Gorsky, scrutinizes the couple’s relationship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Georges: “I am the husband, so yes, I *bleep* her!” – Georges, misunderstanding a question from the immigration officers, emphatically asserts his role in the marriage.
• Georges: “The elephants have been restless again.” – Georges uses this phrase in a letter, initially fictional, to describe his time in Africa, which later becomes a shared joke and symbol of their connection.
• Lauren: “Delicious!” – Lauren’s initial, overtly enthusiastic reaction upon meeting Georges highlights his surprising charm and the contrast with Brontë’s initial reservations.
• Georges: “And always I will say, When are you coming, Cherie?” – Georges says this line at the end of the movie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $29,888,235
• Worldwide Gross: $29,888,235

💥 Green Card Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Green Card’ as a kid and being completely swept away. The greenhouse apartment felt like a dream come true, and the idea of finding love in such a bizarre situation seemed so romantic. Gérard Depardieu was incredibly charming, even with the culture clashes, and Andie MacDowell brought a quiet strength to her character. It’s one of those movies that makes you believe in the magic of unexpected connections. Watching the immigrant story unfold tugged at my heartstrings, even though it felt lighthearted. The ending when they looked through the cafe windows made me tear up and feel elated. This film makes me want to buy a greenhouse!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about cultural clashes”
  • “Those who appreciate light-hearted dramas”
  • “People who enjoy films set in New York City”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Brief scenes of alcohol consumption”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Peter Weir’s ‘Green Card’ is a charming romantic comedy that benefits from the chemistry between Depardieu and MacDowell. While the plot is predictable, the film is elevated by its wit and genuine affection for its characters, making it a delightful watch.
• Janet Maslin: “‘Green Card’ is a sweet and engaging film that tackles the theme of love in unexpected places. Depardieu is wonderful, bringing a sense of humor and warmth to his role, while MacDowell complements him perfectly. It’s a feel-good movie that’s hard to resist.

Audience Reactions

Viewers adored the quirky charm and heartwarming storyline.: The performances of Depardieu and MacDowell were consistently praised, with many noting their on-screen chemistry.

The movie is thought of as a ‘feel-good’ film with a refreshing, offbeat approach to romantic comedy.: Audiences appreciated the film’s ability to blend humor and romance without being overly saccharine.

Overall Consensus: ‘Green Card’ is generally regarded as a charming and enjoyable romantic comedy, boosted by strong performances and a feel-good story, though some find the plot somewhat predictable.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical)- 1991
2. Golden Globe (Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1991

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was loosely based on the 1989 French film ‘The Paper Wedding’ (‘Le Mariage de Papier’).”
• “Peter Weir wrote the screenplay specifically as an American debut for Gérard Depardieu.”
• “Andie MacDowell had to gain weight for the role, a request that surprised her as she was usually asked to lose weight for roles.”

🖥️ How to Watch Green Card?

Green Card is currently available for streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video with a subscription, or for purchase/rental on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for availability as streaming options can vary by region. You can also find physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray through online retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Green Card, you might like these similar films:

• The Proposal (2009): Features a similar fake relationship premise with comedic elements arising from forced proximity.
• Witness (1985): Also directed by Peter Weir, explores themes of cultural clashes and finding love in unexpected circumstances, though in a vastly different setting.
• Doc Hollywood (1991): A comedy about a doctor who wants to live in Beverly Hills but, due to circumstances, is stuck in a small town in South Carolina. Both films share themes of outsiders finding unexpected connections and changing their perspectives.
• Amelie (2001): A French film featuring a quirky and imaginative protagonist seeking connection and love in unconventional ways. Although different in tone, they share a similar whimsy and charm.

🛒 Green Card Related Products

• Green Card (Blu-ray): Experience ‘Green Card’ in high definition with this Blu-ray edition, offering enhanced picture and sound quality. Relive the romance and humor of this classic film with improved clarity and detail.
• French Cooking for Beginners: 50 Easy Recipes to Cook Like a Parisian: Inspired by Georges’ love for French cuisine, this cookbook offers simple and delicious recipes that anyone can master. From classic sauces to savory dishes, bring a taste of France into your kitchen.
• Gardening Tool Set – 12 Pieces: Cultivate your own green paradise like Brontë with this comprehensive gardening tool set. Includes everything you need for planting, pruning, and maintaining your garden.
• New York Cityscape Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces): Piece together the iconic New York City skyline, the setting of ‘Green Card’, with this detailed 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. A fun and challenging way to celebrate your love for the film and the city it portrays.

🎧 Soundtrack

Green Card features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Holdin’ On” – performed by Soul II Soul
• “Watermark” – performed by Enya
• “Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 21” – performed by Mozart

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Lisa Kudrow Shares HILARIOUS Green Card Story

OMG, you have to hear this! Lisa Kudrow tells the funniest story about her Green Card experience. It’s a quick watch and totally worth it!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=gBztxRFvMe4

Gerard Depardieu plays piano and sings a poem in Green Card

Remember that beautiful scene where Gerard Depardieu plays piano and sings in Green Card? Check out the whole thing here – it’s seriously captivating and shows off his character so well!

✨ Rate