Kate Winslet never looked more beautiful nor Harvey Keitel more debased than against the vast sun-scorched landscape of the Australian desert. This is no blissful Walkabout, or spookily erotic Picnic at Hanging Rock--it's a polemic in the Outback. Radiating sensuality and righteous independence, Winslet thwarts cult-deprogrammer Keitel's attempts to repossess her, body and soul. Sisters Jane and Anna Campion match an edgy, funny screenplay with exquisite cinematography, ultimately making Holy Smoke worth getting in your eyes.

Havi Hoffman