Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- intimate
- melancholic
- date night
- quiet evening
What critics said
Critics found the film overly talkative but praised its witty observations about modern relationships and its strong ensemble performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The parallel relationships of Paul and Hannah, Mark and Mildred, Meredith and Trent, Joan and Keenan, and other couples converge by the end of the week.
Paul and Hannah confront an old affair, while Mark and his mother are forced into truthful bedside conversation.
Meredith rebuffs Trent after being hurt by men, and the adulterous couple resists allowing its affair to develop.
The film’s critics specifically identify its talkative, witty insights and behavior-centered dialogue as defining qualities.
Films like Playing by Heart, and why
Love Actually
ensemble romantic drama examining intersecting relationships through witty, talkative dialogue
Short Cuts
interwoven Los Angeles relationship stories balancing comedy, infidelity, and emotional confession
The Big Chill
adult ensemble romance focused on candid conversations, vulnerability, and modern intimacy
Movie Details
- Director
- Willard Carroll
- Release Date
- 1998-12-30
- Runtime
- 121 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (259)
Cast
- Gillian Anderson
- Ellen Burstyn
- Sean Connery
- Anthony Edwards
- Angelina Jolie
- Jay Mohr
- Ryan Phillippe
- Dennis Quaid
- Gena Rowlands
- Jon Stewart
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Playing by Heart about?
- A witty Los Angeles ensemble drama follows eleven adults as infidelity, illness, guarded hearts, and unexpected connections reshape their understanding of love.
- What is Playing by Heart like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Playing by Heart as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Playing by Heart violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Playing by Heart.
- What did critics think of Playing by Heart?
- Critics found the film overly talkative but praised its witty observations about modern relationships and its strong ensemble performances.
- Which films are like Playing by Heart?
- Films with a similar feel include Love Actually, Short Cuts, and The Big Chill.
- How long is Playing by Heart?
- Playing by Heart runs 121 minutes.
- Where can I watch Playing by Heart?
- In United States, Playing by Heart is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
