Corrina, Corrina
"They needed a family. What they got was magic."
After Manny Singer loses his wife, his young daughter Molly slips into silence and shut off from the world around her. With the house now a constant reminder of loss, Manny hires Corrina Washington, a sharp witted housekeeper whose warmth hides a stubborn resolve. Corrina's frank humor and... Read more
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About Corrina, Corrina
After Manny Singer loses his wife, his young daughter Molly slips into silence and shut off from the world around her. With the house now a constant reminder of loss, Manny hires Corrina Washington, a sharp witted housekeeper whose warmth hides a stubborn resolve. Corrina's frank humor and practical care begin to unravel Molly's reserve as she introduces small rituals, songs, and conversations that invite participation rather than silence. The new arrangement also reshapes Manny's days, forcing him to balance work, parenting, and the nagging judgments of a small town that expects things to stay the same. As Corrina becomes part of their family, Molly starts to speak again and both adults question old assumptions about what a family can be.
Directed by Jessie Nelson, Corrina, Corrina appeared in 1994 as a warm blended comedy drama built around an original screenplay by Nelson. The film pairs Whoopi Goldberg as Corrina Washington with Ray Liotta as Manny Singer, supported by Tina Majorino.
With a production budget of about 12.5 million, the movie went on to gross roughly 20.1 million worldwide, marking a modest but solid return for a family oriented title released in the mid 90s.
Cultural impact for Corrina, Corrina is modest but real. It sits in the era's push for nontraditional families and caregiving roles. The film helped spotlight a blend of humor and heart in cross cultural dynamics, with Whoopi Goldberg's performance leaving a warm impression on audiences. It is often remembered for its sunny tone amid serious subject matter.
Reception notes a gentle blend of comedy and sentiment. Critics highlighted themes of grief, resilience, and the messy power of chosen families. The film emphasizes openness, dialogue, and the idea that help can arrive from unlikely places, reshaping both a father and a child as they form a new, more flexible sense of family.
Details
- Release Date
- August 12, 1994
- Runtime
- 1h 55m
- Rating
- PG
- User Ratings
- 443 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Comedy, Family, Romance
- Country
- United States
- Studio
- New Line Cinema
- Budget
- $12,500,000
- Box Office
- $20,100,000
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Whoopi Goldberg
Corrina Washington
Ray Liotta
Manny Singer
Tina Majorino
Molly Singer
Joan Cusack
Jonesy
Larry Miller
Sid
Jenifer Lewis
Jevina
Wendy Crewson
Jenny Davis
Erica Yohn
Grandma Eva
Don Ameche
Grandpa Harry
Brent Spiner
Brent Witherspoon
Written by: Jessie Nelson