Untamed Heart (1993)

Review by All Movie Guide
Tony Bill's unashamedly romantic weeper doesn't really introduce anything new into this played-out genre, but is teeming with affection and good intentions, and manages to capture a spirit that many more ambitious films lack. Marisa Tomei gives a performance that is genuinely irresistible (and arguably more memorable than her Oscar-winning portrayal in My Cousin Vinny), carefully shading in the fanciful aspirations of a working-class woman without resorting to drippiness. Her work is ingratiating and inventive, and gives credibility to a story that is pure fairy tale no matter. Its sentimental nature may put off some viewers, but those willing to resign themselves to Heart may find the film more rewarding than expected, disarming and, in its best moments, genuinely quixotic and wintry. Before its release, Untamed Heart was known by its far less conventional title, The Baboon Heart, which refers to the ailment of Christian Slater's character. ~ Jason Clark, All Movie Guide