The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)
87%RT Audience Score: 89%
Awards & Nominations: 11 wins & 6 nominations
Overcomes its formulaic storyline thanks to Anthony Hopkins’ warm and endearing portrayal of an age-defying thrill seeker
The World’s Fastest Indian” is a movie that will leave you feeling like you just went on a wild ride with Anthony Hopkins. It’s a heartwarming biopic that showcases Hopkins’ eccentric performance and the story of a Kiwi record breaker. While it may be a little slow for kids, it’s a fun and enjoyable film that will leave you smiling long after you leave the theatre. Plus, the motorbike races really rocket!
Production Company(ies)
Charles K. Feldman Group Warner Bros.,
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for brief language, drug use and a sexual reference
Year of Release
2006
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 7m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States, Japan, New Zealand
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 7, 2005 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 13, 2006
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Anthony Hopkins, Bruce Greenwood, Diane Ladd, Paul Rodriguez, Christopher Lawford, Jessica Cauffiel, directed by Roger Donaldson, written by Roger Donaldson, produced by Roger Donaldson, Gary Hannam, biography, drama, PG-13, box office, budget, reviewed by Joshua Katzman, Steve Rose, Derek Adams, Paul Byrnes, Miles Fielder, Neil Smith, Mike Massie, Richard Propes, Yasser Medina, Emanuel Levy, Heather Boerner, Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munro, motorcycle, land speed record, Utah’s salt flats, true story, Dolby Digital, Magnolia Pictures
Worldwide gross: $18,299,138
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $26,984,953
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,582
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 2,942,743
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $25,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $36,866,427
Production budget ranking: 1,015
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $19,852,571
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$29,734,044
ROI to date (est.): -52%
ROI ranking: 1,704
Bruce Greenwood – Jerry
Diane Ladd – Ada
Paul Rodriguez – Fernando
Christopher Lawford – Jim Moffet
Jessica Cauffiel – Wendy
Self – Roger Donaldson (Director/Producer/Writer)
Self – Gary Hannam (Producer)
Director(s)
Roger Donaldson
Writer(s)
Roger Donaldson
Producer(s)
Roger Donaldson, Gary Hannam
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
11 wins & 6 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (143) | Top Critics (39) | Fresh (117) | Rotten (26)
This compelling fact-based story is [Donaldson’s] best effort in years.
August 6, 2008
Joshua Katzman
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
It creaks and splutters all the way, but Hopkins’ charm keeps it chugging along steadily.
January 27, 2007 | Rating: 3/5
Steve Rose
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
It takes a while to adjust to this amiable film’s languorous tempo but you might find it’s worth the wait.
June 24, 2006
Derek Adams
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
The film is itself an offering to the god of speed, but much more besides.
April 7, 2006
Paul Byrnes
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
A wonderfully uplifting and charming biopic that’s sure to win over all but the most mean-spirited. And the motorbike races really rocket, too.
April 1, 2006 | Rating: 4/5
Miles Fielder
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
An affectionate portrait of a real-life Kiwi record breaker that took director Roger Donaldson 30 years to bring to the screen.
February 14, 2006 | Rating: 3/5
Neil Smith
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
Fun, straightforward, and enjoyable.
November 21, 2020 | Rating: 7/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
It features the finest, and most unique, performance by Anthony Hopkins in years and will leave you smiling long after you leave the theatre.
September 27, 2020 | Rating: 3.0/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
I had a time without watching an Anthony Hopkins movie as pleasant as ‘The World’s Fastest Indian ‘, by Australian director Roger Donaldson. His performance is the heart of the film. [Full review in Spanish]
August 4, 2020 | Rating: 7/10
Yasser Medina
Cinemaficionados
Anthony Hopkins gives an eccentric performance in his second film with Roger Donaldson.
July 31, 2011 | Rating: B-
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Hopkins’ joyous romp is a little slow for kids.
December 18, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Heather Boerner
Common Sense Media
Ambushing audiences isn’t easy for an actor like Anthony Hopkins, from whom we’ve come to expect shouting routines. But he propels this biopic past familiar fish-out-of-water beats with a vibrant, wily, unpredictable joie de vivre not seen since “Nixon.”
December 15, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/4
Nick Rogers
The Film Yap…
Plot
For twenty-five years in Invercargill, New Zealand, Burt Munro (1899-1978) has been working on increasing the speed of his motorcycle, a 1920 Indian. He dreams of taking it to the Bonneville Salt Flats to see how fast it will go. By the early 1960s, heart disease threatens his life, so he mortgages his house and takes a boat to Los Angeles, buys an old car, builds a makeshift trailer, gets the Indian through customs, and heads for Utah. Along the way, people he meets are charmed by his open, direct friendliness. If he makes it to Bonneville, will they let an old guy on bthe flats with makeshift tires, no brakes, and no chute? And will the Indian actually respond?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film features a standout performance by Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munro.
Roger-Donaldson.jpg
87%
Good Night, And Good Luck (2005)
87%RT Audience Score: 79%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 6 Oscars
38 wins & 129 nominations total
A passionate and concise cinematic civics lesson, Good Night, And Good Luck has plenty to say about today’s political and cultural climate, and its ensemble cast is stellar
Good Night, and Good Luck is a film that will make you feel like you’re watching history unfold right before your eyes. It’s like a time machine that takes you back to the 1950s, where you can witness the bravery of Edward R. Murrow and his team as they take on Senator Joseph McCarthy. And let’s not forget the amazing performances by David Strathairn and George Clooney. This movie is a must-see for anyone who loves history, politics, or just a darn good story. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to be transported to a different era.
Production Company(ies)
Chernin Entertainment, TSG Entertainment, Turnpike Films,
Distributor
Warner Independent
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
CBS Television City – 7800 Beverly Boulevard, Fairfax, Los Angeles, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for mild thematic elements and brief language
Year of Release
2005
-
Color:Color
Black and White -
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 33m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 7, 2005 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 14, 2006
Genre(s)
Biography
Keyword(s)
Worldwide gross: $54,641,191
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $83,272,264
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,107
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 9,080,945
US/Canada gross: $31,558,003
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $48,093,871
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,088
US/Canada opening weekend: $421,446
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $642,277
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,346
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $10,667,883
Production budget ranking: 1,641
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $5,744,655
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $66,859,726
ROI to date (est.): 407%
ROI ranking: 338
Patricia Clarkson – Shirley Wershba
George Clooney – Fred Friendly
Jeff Daniels – Sig Mickelson
Robert Downey Jr. – Joe Wershba
Frank Langella – William Paley
Grant Heslov – Producer
George Clooney – Writer, Director
David Strathairn – Self
Patricia Clarkson – Self
George Clooney – Self
Jeff Daniels – Self
Robert Downey Jr. – Self
Frank Langella – Self
Director(s)
George Clooney
Writer(s)
George Clooney, Grant Heslov
Producer(s)
Grant Heslov
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 6 Oscars
38 wins & 129 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (225) | Top Critics (59) | Fresh (210) | Rotten (15)
In terms of historical content, the film is neither quite honest nor quite true. That’s a shame, because it’s a great film.
February 12, 2020
Zadie Smith
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Shorn of flash and dazzle in a way Murrow would appreciate, Good Night, and Good Luck practises what it preaches. It might be the result of wires and lights in a box, but it feels like a slice of life.
September 26, 2017
Victoria Segal
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
Provocative, principled and richly detailed, this is compelling stuff. Emotionally it(TM)s a little dry, but as brain-food, it(TM)s absolutely invigorating. George done good.
February 27, 2008 | Rating: 4/5
Simon Crook
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
A solid achievement.
October 14, 2006 | Rating: B+
Peter Rainer
Christian Science Monitor
TOP CRITIC
That it’s a film both timely and timeless goes without saying. Yet Clooney is too canny a storyteller to let didacticism obscure the complexities of Murrow’s character.
July 1, 2006
Sandra Hall
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
It’s a modest but powerful affair, and a fantastic mood piece.
June 24, 2006
Dave Calhoun
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
A powerful film for family viewing that could open the door to discussions about family, friendship, loyalty, politics, and a variety of other topics.
September 9, 2020 | Rating: 4.0/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
…an odd but fitting companion piece to Capote.
May 7, 2020
David Lamble
Bay Area Reporter
Documentary realism keeps Good Night from collapsing into a morality tale. McCarthy plays himself, in hair-raising video footage from his witch-hunt hearings.
October 17, 2019
Brian D. Johnson
Maclean’s Magazine
A film that engages the mind and the heart in ways that few films do.
June 5, 2019 | Rating: 4/4
Mattie Lucas
The Dispatch (Lexington, NC)
Though the subject matter is serious, Good Night, and Good Luck bristles with humor and intelligence. You want “Must See TV”? Here it is.
January 30, 2019 | Rating: 5/5
Nanciann Cherry
Toledo Blade
Good Night and Good Luck will make my 10-best list. It’s unquestionably one of the best films of the year.
January 5, 2018 | Rating: A-
Joel Siegel
Good Morning America…
Plot
In the early 1950’s, the threat of Communism created an air of paranoia in the United States and exploiting those fears was Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin. However, CBS reporter Edward R. Murrow and his producer Fred W. Friendly decided to take a stand and challenge McCarthy and expose him for the fear monger he was. However, their actions took a great personal toll on both men, but they stood by their convictions and helped to bring down one of the most controversial senators in American history.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The ensemble cast of Good Night, and Good Luck is described as “stellar” by Fresh Kernels.
George-Clooney.jpg
87%
Tony Takitani (2005)
87%RT Audience Score: 82%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 7 nominations
Tony Takitani is a delicate and poetic film that explores the themes of memory, grief, and solitude with a commendably steady hand. Jun Ichikawa’s direction evokes the heady and suffocating effect of the past playing irrevocable catch-up with itself, while also capturing the whimsy, irony, and melancholy of Haruki Murakami’s original story. The film may falter as a narrative, but it seeps into the soul and lingers like a cultivated orchid, a delicate product of careful attention and an appreciation for fleeting beauty. For filmgoers in search of a quietly absorbing escape, Tony Takitani might be the perfect holiday-movie antidote.
Tony Takitani is like a delicate flower that you want to keep in your pocket forever. It’s a contemplative film that explores themes of loneliness, memory, and the fleeting moments that we often take for granted. While it may not have a clear moral, it lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Jun Ichikawa does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of Haruki Murakami’s novel, and fans of the author will definitely enjoy this adaptation. Overall, Tony Takitani is a beautiful and heartrending Japanese drama that’s perfect for a quiet night in.
Production Company(ies)
ITVS International, Kartemquin Films, P.O.V., American Documentary
Distributor
Strand Releasing
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2005
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 15m
-
Language(s):Japanese
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 11, 2004 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 10, 2006
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Issei Ogata, Rie Miyazawa, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Yumi Endô, Shinohara Takahumi, directed by Jun Ichikawa, written by Jun Ichikawa, Drama, Japanese language, Strand Releasing, $129.2K box office, Mono sound mix, 35mm aspect ratio, loneliness, melancholy, shopping, memory, grief, Murakami, haunting, delicate, subdued, poetic, contemplative, ethereal, fable, past, catch-up, orchid, beauty, deep matters, process, self-expression, restraint, meditation, lost moments, loneliness, masochistic deprivation
Worldwide gross: $556,268
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $847,743
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,633
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 92,447
US/Canada gross: $129,783
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $197,787
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,550
US/Canada opening weekend: $1,765
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $2,690
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,844
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Rie Miyazawa – Konuma Eiko, Hisako
Hidetoshi Nishijima – Narrator
Yumi Endô –
Shinohara Takahumi – Young Tony
Jun Ichikawa – Director
Director(s)
Jun Ichikawa
Writer(s)
Jun Ichikawa
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 7 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (58) | Top Critics (23) | Fresh (51) | Rotten (7)
Quiet and subdued but finally heartrending, this Japanese drama by Jun Ichikawa goes bone-deep into its title character…
June 28, 2022
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Ichikawa evokes the heady and suffocating effect of the past playing irrevocable catch-up with itself.
January 14, 2006 | Rating: 2/4
Ed Gonzalez
Slant Magazine
TOP CRITIC
An ethereal modern fable without a moral, Tony Takatani seeps into the soul and lingers. For filmgoers in search of a quietly absorbing escape, it might be the perfect holiday-movie antidote.
December 8, 2005 | Rating: 3/4
Kristin Tillotson
Minneapolis Star Tribune
TOP CRITIC
Though it falters as a narrative, Tony Takitani sticks in the mind with its poetic contemplativeness.
November 4, 2005 | Rating: 2.5/4
Bruce Westbrook
Houston Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Like a cultivated orchid, the delicate product of careful attention and an appreciation for fleeting beauty.
October 21, 2005 | Rating: 3/4
Jeff Shannon
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
The film gestures toward our understanding of deep matters — grief, solitude, and the process by which people build and express their very selves — and it does so with a commendably steady, gentle hand.
October 15, 2005 | Rating: 3.5/5
Marrit Ingman
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
I struggled a bit with Tony Takitani…
December 8, 2021
Jas Keimig
The Stranger (Seattle, WA)
This delicate meditation on memory and grief offers no definitive answers or resounding chords, exercising restraint as it tries to exorcise the ghosts of the past.
July 27, 2020
Katie Duggan
Film Daze
It is a very contemplative film about loneliness, memory and the priceless moments that are lost in time. [Full review in Spanish]
July 20, 2020 | Rating: 7/10
Yasser Medina
Cinemaficionados
Jun Ichikawa manages to capture the novel’s essence in his film to the highest degree, and in that fashion, presents a very impressive film. Particularly fans of Murakami will definitely enjoy it.
April 13, 2020
Panos Kotzathanasis
Asian Movie Pulse
Scarcely satisfies, yet it lingers — limpidity of image along with imperceptible epiphanies
September 1, 2009
Fernando F. Croce
CinePassion
Ichikawa brilliantly captures Murakami’s blend of whimsy, irony and melancholy, while finding intelligent and inventive ways to convert the author’s verbal idiosyncrasies to a visual medium.
June 14, 2007 | Rating: 3.5/5
Anton Bitel
Projected Figures…
Plot
Japanese drama follows a reclusive illustrator who falls in love with a young woman addicted to shopping for clothing.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film on Fresh Kernels.
Jun-Ichikawa.jpg
87%
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
87%RT Audience Score: 83%
Awards & Nominations: 23 wins & 3 nominations
A Tale of Two Sisters is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that delves into the depths of grief, guilt, and horror. The slow-moving cinematography by Lee Mogae is remarkable, and the superb acting will leave you on the edge of your seat. The film boasts a suffocating atmosphere and a disjointed storyline that turns the screws on your nerves while leaving you to puzzle over the plot. It’s no wonder why Hollywood has been so busy remaking Asian horror movies, but none can compare to the rank dread and inscrutable mystery of this South Korean psychological thriller. This film is definitely a satisfying piece of less-is-more cinematic horror that will leave you with hauntingly unanswered questions.
A Tale of Two Sisters is a horror movie that will leave you with more questions than answers, but that’s part of the fun! The slow-moving cinematography is gorgeous, and the story is full of jumps and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The acting is superb, and the atmosphere is suffocating. It’s definitely not a pretty picture, but it’s a satisfying piece of cinematic horror that’s worth watching. Just be prepared to puzzle over the plot and feel the rank dread and inscrutable mystery that makes this South Korean psychological thriller so great.
Production Company(ies)
Sidus C J Entertainment, Muhan Investment
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Yusin-ri, Yureo-myeon, Boseong-gun, Jeollanamdo, South Korea
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for some violence and disturbing images
Year of Release
2003
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital EX
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):Korean
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Mar 29, 2005
Genre(s)
Horror
Keyword(s)
starring Yum Jung-ah, Kim Kap-soo, Moon Geun-young, Im Soo-jung, directed by Kim Jee-woon, written by Kim Jee-woon, horror, R rating, Korean language, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Philippa Hawker, Noel Murray, Marc Savlov, Renee Graham, Jennie Punter, John Terauds, Rob Aldam, Zena Dixon, Josh Larsen, Jeff Meyers, Peter Sobczynski, mental hospital, sisters, country home, widower father, stepmother, strange events, disturbing images, psychological thriller, suffocating atmosphere, masterpiece
Worldwide gross: $1,062,878
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,722,789
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,451
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 187,872
US/Canada gross: $72,541
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $117,580
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,645
US/Canada opening weekend: $1,060
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $1,718
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,854
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Kim Kap-soo – Bae Moo-hyeon
Moon Geun-young – Bae Soo-yeon
Im Soo-jung – Bae Soo-mi
Park Mi-hyeon – Sisters’ Biological Mother
Woo Gi-hong – Sun-kyu
Director(s)
Kim Jee-woon
Writer(s)
Kim Jee-woon
Producer(s)
Oh Ki-min, Kim Yeong
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
23 wins & 3 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (61) | Top Critics (24) | Fresh (52) | Rotten (9)
This is a carefully structured film about grief and guilt, as well as horror. They don’t resolve every disturbing moment or confusing element: they leave some questions hauntingly unanswered.
January 17, 2006 | Rating: 3.5/5
Philippa Hawker
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
The film feels haunted by the relationship between Im and Moon, who cling to each other in the face of a hostile hostess, even though that may not be their best option.
September 26, 2005
Noel Murray
AV Club
TOP CRITIC
There’s more rank dread and inscrutable mystery in any one scene of this South Korean psychological thriller than in all the American horror films of the past 10 years.
March 13, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Marc Savlov
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
There’s a reason why Hollywood has been so busy in recent years remaking Asian horror movies. Scare for scare, they’re generally better.
February 25, 2005 | Rating: 3/4
Renee Graham
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
It may not be a pretty picture, but A Tale of Two Sisters is definitely a satisfying piece of less-is-more cinematic horror.
January 30, 2005 | Rating: 3/4
Jennie Punter
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
The gorgeous slow-moving cinematography by Lee Mogae is remarkable.
January 28, 2005 | Rating: 2.5/4
John Terauds
Toronto Star
TOP CRITIC
A creepy and atmospheric psychological thriller which keeps its audience guessing until the very end.
August 11, 2021
Rob Aldam
Backseat Mafia
There are plenty of jumps, an amazing story line and superb acting.
October 15, 2018 | Rating: 5/5
Zena Dixon
Real Queen of Horror
How much you appreciate the film will largely depend on how effective you feel its big revelation is.
November 14, 2013 | Rating: 2.5/4
Josh Larsen
LarsenOnFilm
…boasts a suffocating atmosphere and a disjointed storyline that turns the screws on your nerves while leaving you to puzzle over the plot
April 20, 2011 | Rating: 3.5/5
Jeff Meyers
Metro Times (Detroit, MI)
April 15, 2011 | Rating: 2/5
Peter Sobczynski
eFilmCritic.com
It’s truly a masterpiece in the end.
April 29, 2009 | Rating: 4/4
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed…
Plot
After spending time in a mental institution, two devoted sisters return to the home of their father and cruel stepmother. Once there, in addition to dealing with their stepmother’s obsessive, unbalanced ways, an interfering ghost also affects their recovery.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film on Fresh Kernels.
Kim-Jee-woon.jpg
87%
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
87%RT Audience Score: 66%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 3 Oscars
26 wins & 69 nominations total
With Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, George Lucas brings his second Star Wars trilogy to a suitably thrilling and often poignant — if still a bit uneven — conclusion
Revenge of the Sith is the ultimate space opera that will leave you buzzing with excitement! The special effects are out of this world and the light-sabers are simply magnificent. Sure, the story may be predictable, but who cares when you’re having this much fun? It’s the best of the prequels and a close contender to the original trilogy. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
Production Company(ies)
Lionsgate Media Rights Capital, T-Street
Distributor
20th Century Fox
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Sidi Bouhlel, Bouhlel Sdada, Tunisia
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for sci-fi action/violence
Year of Release
2005
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 20m
-
Language(s):English, Sanskrit
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): May 19, 2005 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 1, 2005
Genre(s)
Adventure/Action
Keyword(s)
starring Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L Jackson, Christopher Lee, directed by George Lucas, written by George Lucas, produced by George Lucas, Rick McCallum, Adventure/Action, PG-13, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Namrata Joshi, Evan Williams, Philippa Hawker, Craig Outhier, Nicholas Barber, David Stratton, Brian Eggert, Cory Woodroof, Tony Black, David Walsh, Mike Massie, audience score, Jedi, Sith, lightsabers, space battles, CGI, special effects, Dark Side, Emperor Palpatine, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, Count Dooku, Darth Tyranus, Padmé Naberrie-Skywalker, Supreme Chancellor, Order 66, Galactic Republic, Jedi Council, betrayal, transformation, epic battle, lava planet, Star Wars Saga
Worldwide gross: $1,027,082,707
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,843,642,096
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 24
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 201,051,483
US/Canada gross: $474,544,677
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $851,820,927
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 23
US/Canada opening weekend: $64,820,970
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $116,355,448
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 61
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $115,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $206,428,206
Production budget ranking: 106
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $111,161,589
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,526,052,301
ROI to date (est.): 481%
ROI ranking: 264
Natalie Portman – Senator Amidala, Padmé Naberrie-Skywalker
Hayden Christensen – Anakin Skywalker
Ian McDiarmid – Supreme Chancellor, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Sidious
Samuel L. Jackson – Mace Windu
Christopher Lee – Count Dooku, Darth Tyranus
Director(s)
George Lucas
Writer(s)
George Lucas
Producer(s)
George Lucas, Rick McCallum
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 3 Oscars
26 wins & 69 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (302) | Top Critics (72) | Fresh (240) | Rotten (62)
The technical wizardry, the special effects, the ear-buzzing sound, the mind-numbing action and those magnificent light-sabres are all there.
January 8, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
Namrata Joshi
Outlook
TOP CRITIC
The special effects, of course, are incomparably good and the digital photography achieves a dazzling clarity.
December 15, 2015 | Rating: 4/5
Evan Williams
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
It soon becomes obvious that there is no avoiding the burden of predictability: there is nothing, essentially, in the film’s story that we don’t know already.
November 16, 2015 | Rating: 2.5/5
Philippa Hawker
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
Say what you want about Lucas’ one-take directing style, his over-reliance on blue screens or his cheesy tendency to reference himself, but his imagination is as fertile as ever.
November 16, 2015
Craig Outhier
Orange County Register
TOP CRITIC
The pity is that Lucas and his team couldn’t have just manufactured the toys and the “Making Of” coffee table books and given the films a miss.
November 16, 2015
Nicholas Barber
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
I think it is visually exciting. I think there are wonderful things in it but I just missed that innocence of the early films.
November 16, 2015 | Rating: 3.5/5
David Stratton
At the Movies (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
The experience isn’t fun; rather, it’s the best of three chapters in Lucas dull prequel saga, which isn’t saying much.
April 25, 2022 | Rating: 2.5/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
It’s the prequel film that least gets in its own way, earning it de-facto honors as the best of the lot.
February 11, 2022
Cory Woodroof
615 Film
Revenge of the Sith is by some distance the finest Star Wars prequel and though it can’t quite sit on a par with the original trilogy, it skirts close.
February 16, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Tony Black
Cultural Conversation
The film is largely a blank (despite all its frenetic activity), dispirited, unmoving and unconvincing from every point of view.
February 15, 2021
David Walsh
World Socialist Web Site
As with the previous two prequels, space battles are the best visuals this franchise can deliver, easily trumping anything taking place on the ground.
November 9, 2020 | Rating: 6/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Revenge of the Sith is the film which puts the opera in space opera; no other Star Wars film has done it better.
December 20, 2019 | Rating: 8/10
Joshua Starnes
VitalThrills.com…
Plot
The evil Trade Federation, led by Nute Gunray is planning to take over the peaceful world of Naboo. Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to confront the leaders. But not everything goes to plan. The two Jedi escape, and along with their new Gungan friend, Jar Jar Binks head to Naboo to warn Queen Amidala, but droids have already started to capture Naboo and the Queen is not safe there. Eventually, they land on Tatooine, where they become friends with a young boy known as Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon is curious about the boy, and sees a bright future for him. The group must now find a way of getting to Coruscant and to finally solve this trade dispute, but there is someone else hiding in the shadows. Are the Sith really extinct? Is the Queen really who she says she is? And what’s so special about this young boy?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Revenge of the Sith on Fresh Kernels.
George-Lucas.jpg
87%
Infernal Affairs (Mou gaan dou) (2002)
87%RT Audience Score: 78%
Awards & Nominations: 24 wins & 26 nominations
Smart and engrossing, this is one of Hong Kong’s better cop thrillers
Infernal Affairs is like a spicy bowl of noodles – it’s twisted, dizzying, and leaves you wanting more. The movie is a perfect blend of powerhouse performances, Grade A production values, and suspenseful direction. The washed-out blues and silvers add a touch of beauty to the intense male performances. The movie is like a rollercoaster ride that takes you through the inner turmoil of living a lie. It’s a hyper-intelligent action thriller that will make John Woo and Michael Mann proud. So, grab a bowl of noodles and get ready for a thrilling ride!
Production Company(ies)
Vendôme Pictures, Pathé Films, Picture Perfect Federation
Distributor
Miramax Films, Universal Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for violence
Year of Release
2002
-
Color:Color
Black and White -
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 40m
-
Language(s):Cantonese, English, Thai
-
Country of origin:Hong Kong
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Sep 24, 2004 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 7, 2004
Genre(s)
Action
Keyword(s)
starring Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Andy Lau, Anthony Chau-Sang Wong, Eric Tsang, Chapman To, Ka Tung Lam, directed by Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, Alan Mak, written by Felix Chong, Alan Mak, action, R rating, Miramax Films, Universal Pictures, produced by Andy Lau, reviewed by Anupama Chopra, David Ansen, Nick Schager, G Allen Johnson, Allison Benedikt, Roger Ebert, MPAA rating, Hong Kong, police thriller, undercover, Triad society, double lives, life and death, violence, Chinese language, Dolby Digital, box office performance, $89.6K budget
Worldwide gross: $8,836,958
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $14,656,648
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,831
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,598,326
US/Canada gross: $169,659
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $281,390
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,474
US/Canada opening weekend: $25,680
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $42,592
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,262
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $6,428,966
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $10,662,842
Production budget ranking: 1,643
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $5,741,941
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$1,748,135
ROI to date (est.): -11%
ROI ranking: 1,453
Andy Lau – Inspector Lau Kin Ming
Anthony Chau-Sang Wong – SP Wong Chi Shing
Eric Tsang – Hon Sam
Chapman To – Tsui Wai-keung
Ka Tung Lam – Inspector B
Director(s)
Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, Alan Mak
Writer(s)
Felix Chong, Alan Mak
Producer(s)
Andy Lau
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
24 wins & 26 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (64) | Top Critics (28) | Fresh (60) | Rotten (4)
Internal Affairs is a deliciously twisted thriller from Hong Kong.
May 18, 2020
Anupama Chopra
Film Companion
TOP CRITIC
The pace and plot are dizzying, but the movie also works as a study of fractured identity: the two have led double lives so long they’re no longer sure who they are.
March 13, 2018
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
Ultimately quiet tepid.
May 4, 2005 | Rating: C+
Nick Schager
Lessons of Darkness
TOP CRITIC
Everything you’d want in a police action thriller: powerhouse performances, Grade A production values, a good script and suspenseful direction.
February 4, 2005 | Rating: 4/4
G. Allen Johnson
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Beauty in its consistent, washed-out blues and silvers, grace in its understated, intense male performances and energy in its unyielding commitment to tone and tension.
December 24, 2004 | Rating: 3.5/4
Allison Benedikt
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
What makes it special is the inner turmoil caused by living a lie. If everyone you know and everything you do for 10 years indicates you are one kind of person, and you know you are another, how do you live with that?
December 24, 2004 | Rating: 3/4
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
…an erratic yet generally rewarding endeavor…
August 4, 2021 | Rating: 2.5/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
December 27, 2007 | Rating: 3/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound
Seductively shot and beautifully acted, this is like a summation film, bringing together all the themes, motifs, mood, and style of the gritty policier Hong Kong thriller, one that will make John Woo and Michael Mann proud.
August 18, 2006 | Rating: A
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
This intense, explosive Hong Kong thriller ushers in a new era of hyper-intelligent action.
May 26, 2006
Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid
well-written, well-directed and well-acted genre film
November 26, 2005 | Rating: 7/10
Dragan Antulov
Draxblog Movie Reviews
Um inteligente drama policial que se preocupa mais com o desenvolvimento de seus personagens (e com as relações entre estes) do que com tiroteios e reviravoltas.
May 3, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Pablo Villaça
Cinema em Cena…
Plot
Chan Wing Yan, a young police officer, has been sent undercover as a mole in the local mafia. Lau Kin Ming, a young mafia member, infiltrates the police force. Years later, their older counterparts, Chen Wing Yan and Inspector Lau Kin Ming, respectively, race against time to expose the mole within their midst.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Infernal Affairs on Fresh Kernels.
Andrew-Lau-Wai-Keung.jpg
87%
Two Brothers (2004)
87%RT Audience Score: 88%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 2 nominations
A charming family-friendly movie with stunning cinematography
Two Brothers is a movie that will make you feel all the emotions. It’s a beautiful story of friendship and family, but it’s also intense and might be too much for little kids. The cinematography is stunning, and the music will make your heart race. The lack of dialogue is made up for with an endless assortment of thrills. It’s a classic family movie that will make you feel like you’re watching a movie from the forties or fifties. And if you’re an animal lover, be prepared to tear up when Kumal and Sangha reunite. Overall, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves a good adventure and a heartwarming story.
Production Company(ies)
Excelsa Film
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for mild violence
Year of Release
2004
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 48m
-
Language(s):English, Thai, French
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jun 12, 2004 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 21, 2004
Genre(s)
Adventure/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Guy Pearce, Jean-Claude Dreyfus, Freddie Highmore, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Moussa Maaskri, Vincent Scarito, directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, written by Alain Godard, Adventure, Drama, PG, box office gross $18.9M, produced by Jean-Jacques Annaud, Jake Eberts, Paul Rassam, reviewed by Nell Minow, Rex Reed, Nick De Semlyen, Marrit Ingman, Stephanie Zacharek, Alan Niester, Jim Lane, Michael Dequina, Carlo Cavagna, Jeffrey Overstreet, Tony Medley, twin tiger cubs, Kumal, Sangha, hunter, Aidan McRory, circus, abusive trainer, politician’s son, tigers, enslaved, killed for sport, reunited, mild violence, English, Universal Pictures, Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS, Scope (2.35:1)
Worldwide gross: $62,174,008
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $98,078,653
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,029
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 10,695,600
US/Canada gross: $19,176,754
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $30,251,069
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,271
US/Canada opening weekend: $6,144,160
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $9,692,329
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 968
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): 59660000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $94,112,839
Production budget ranking: 439
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $50,679,764
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$46,713,951
ROI to date (est.): -32%
ROI ranking: 1,574
Jean-Claude Dreyfus – Eugène Normandin
Freddie Highmore – Raoul
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu – Mathilde Normandin
Moussa Maaskri – Saladin
Vincent Scarito – Zerbino
Director(s)
Jean-Jacques Annaud
Writer(s)
Alain Godard
Producer(s)
Jean-Jacques Annaud, Jake Eberts, Paul Rassam
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 2 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (114) | Top Critics (40) | Fresh (89) | Rotten (25)
Stunningly beautiful, but too intense for little kids.
December 29, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
This is a family movie on a grand scale, enhanced by lush cinematography and throbbing music, with a minimum of dialogue and an endless assortment of thrills.
July 23, 2004
Rex Reed
Observer
TOP CRITIC
It’s undoubtedly good-natured, old-fashioned family entertainment, but Two Brothers never quite manages to strike a successful balance between fantasy and reality.
July 23, 2004 | Rating: 3/5
Nick De Semlyen
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
July 3, 2004 | Rating: 3/5
Marrit Ingman
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Noteworthy because it represents a kind of fevered moviemaking insanity that we rarely see these days.
July 3, 2004
Stephanie Zacharek
Salon.com
TOP CRITIC
The kind of movie that kids used to flock to on Saturday afternoons in the forties and fifties.
July 3, 2004 | Rating: 3/4
Alan Niester
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
August 7, 2008 | Rating: 3/5
Jim Lane
Sacramento News & Review
The very definition of harmless, watchable entertainment. Exactly whether or not that is good enough depends on who you are.
January 7, 2005 | Rating: 2.5/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
I defy any animal lover not to tear up with Kumal and Sangha reunite, even if it is a little faux.
January 1, 2005 | Rating: B+
Carlo Cavagna
AboutFilm.com
It’s that rare kind of comedy — simple humor based on personalities, behavior, and folly …. rather than forced through crass punchlines or annoying sidekicks.
December 6, 2004 | Rating: 3/4
Jeffrey Overstreet
Christianity Today
October 7, 2004 | Rating: 7/10
Tony Medley
tonymedley.com
[A] heartbreaking fable of friendship, family ties, and the human impact on the natural world…
September 8, 2004
MaryAnn Johanson
Flick Filosopher…
Plot
1920s Indochina. In the wild, a pair of adult tigers have just had a litter of two male cubs. It is a loving family unit, with the two brothers having a bond through their adventurous spirit. In different incidents, the cubs are captured individually, and although both in captivity live very different lives. Their individual captures were directly or indirectly associated with the work of Aidan McRory, a treasure and big game hunter, whose main goal is to make as much money for himself by selling his largely illegally obtained artifacts and animal parts at auction in Europe. Through the process, he has an emotional connection with one of the cubs, who is eventually named Kumal, but of who he eventually loses track. The cubs’ lives are affected negatively by a number of other people who are working solely toward their own end goals, but the other cub, who is eventually named Sangha, also makes an emotional human connection to a young boy named Raoul Normandin, the son of the area administrator. Similar to Kumal and Aidan, Raoul eventually loses track of his tiger friend. The second year of the cubs’ lives, they now full fledged adult tigers, is different than their first, with a question being how their individual experiences in captivity will affect how they function in their much different new environments. Both Aidan and Raoul are determined to do whatever necessary to make sure what happens to the tigers are for the benefit of the lives they should be leading based on their history, with Aidan and Raoul perhaps having a different perspective on what that actually is.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing to add here about Two Brothers.
Jean-Jacques-Annaud.jpg
87%
Uzak (Distant) (2004)
87%RT Audience Score: 82%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins
Distant” is a film that, while not without its merits, ultimately falls short of its potential. The washed-out visuals and gaunt atmosphere create a sense of detachment that may be intentional, but ultimately detracts from the emotional impact of the story. However, the film’s moments of droll humor and humanely observant filmmaking are minor miracles that elevate the experience. While the film may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a slow, attentive cinema will find much to admire here.
Distant” is like a warning, but not the kind that tells you to stay away from a haunted house. It’s more like a warning that you might fall asleep during this movie. Sure, there are some beautiful visuals and a bit of droll humor, but it’s a gaunt affair that’s somewhat stately in progress. It’s like the director wanted to mimic Antonioni and Ozu, but still has much to learn about crafting quiet scenes. However, if you’re looking for a movie about the feeling of being alive, the sensation of existence, and everything in between, then this might be the movie for you. Just make sure you have a cup of coffee nearby.
Production Company(ies)
Bold Films, Blumhouse Productions, Right of Way Films,
Distributor
New Yorker Films
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Unrated
Year of Release
2004
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 49m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 12, 2004 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2007
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Muzaffer Özdemir, Mehmet Emin Toprak, Zuhal Gencer, Nazan Kirilmis, Feridun Koc, Fatma Ceylan, directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, written by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, drama, PG-13, Turkish language, box office gross $10.2K, reviewed by Brandon Judell, Antonia Quirke, Jeff Shannon, Kenneth Turan, Desson Thomson, Stephen Hunter, Ray Pride, PJ Nabarro, Josh Ralske, Christopher Null, Dennis Schwartz, E! Staff, hauntingly beautiful, pervasive silence, Istanbul, job search, clash of personalities, uncomfortable similarities, well-to-do photographer, countrified cousin, creature violence, some strong language, New Yorker Films, surround sound, Dolby Digital, flat aspect ratio
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Zuhal Gencer – Nazan
Nazan Kirilmis – The Lover
Feridun Koc – Janitor
Fatma Ceylan – Mother
Emin Toprak – Yusuf
Director(s)
Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Writer(s)
Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Producer(s)
Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
2 wins
Academy Awards
All Critics (46) | Top Critics (22) | Fresh (40) | Rotten (6)
“Distant,” that’s more like a warning than a title . . . . The two leads will eventually clash, but not enough to make this offering worthy of sitting through.
June 5, 2021
Brandon Judell
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
There is plenty to admire here, but the movie is a gaunt affair, with something ruinously washed-out about it.
December 14, 2017
Antonia Quirke
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
Deeply compassionate and frequently amusing, qualifying as a minor miracle of humanely observant filmmaking.
January 28, 2005 | Rating: 3/4
Jeff Shannon
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
A beautifully made, unapologetically artistic piece of work.
September 24, 2004 | Rating: 5/5
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Ultimately, it becomes a movie about the feeling of being alive, the sensation of existence. It’s a movie, in a way, about everything.
July 23, 2004
Desson Thomson
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
Straightforward, droll, brutally honest and arresting, if somewhat stately in progress.
July 23, 2004
Stephen Hunter
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
It is very sad but also very beautiful. (Particularly after snow flocks the gray-on-gray city.) There is one breathtaking moment, a scene involving a beached tanker in snow, that is merely the best of dozens of indelible fragments.
June 23, 2022 | Rating: 10/10
Ray Pride
Newcity
Ceylan’s cinema affects a solipsism that leads to a heightened sense of one’s own surroundings – thus creating not a slow cinema but an extremely attentive cinema.
December 2, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
PJ Nabarro
One Room With A View
The tale has a deceptive, emotional complexity that builds to a surprisingly heartrending impact.
September 8, 2005 | Rating: 8/10
Josh Ralske
All Movie Guide
He’d love to mimic Antonioni and Ozu, but Ceylan still has much to learn about crafting quiet scenes
March 26, 2005 | Rating: 2.5/5
Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com
A startlingly quiet film that is buoyed by a droll humor, splendid visuals and bittersweet reflections into the human condition.
January 18, 2005 | Rating: A+
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
It’s bleak, yes, but it’s beautiful in equal measure.
October 1, 2004 | Rating: A
E! Staff
E! Online…
Plot
After losing his job, Yusuf travels to Istanbul to find work and stays with his cousin Mahmut, a photographer, but their differences in personality and similarities cause tension between them in the hauntingly beautiful drama, Distant.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Distant on Fresh Kernels.
Nuri-Bilge-Ceylan.jpg
87%
Hero (2004)
87%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: NA
Review 1: “This movie was terrible. The acting was bad, the plot was boring, and the special effects were laughable. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.”
Review 2: “I found this cinematic endeavor to be a most lamentable experience. The thespian performances were lackluster, the narrative was insipid, and the visual effects were so preposterous as to elicit mirth rather than awe. I cannot in good conscience suggest this film to any discerning viewer.”
Review 3: “This movie was a complete waste of time. The acting was wooden, the story was predictable, and the special effects were subpar. Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.”
Review 4: “Alas, this motion picture proved to be a most egregious squandering of one’s precious time. The histrionic displays were as stiff as a board, the plot was as foreseeable as the sunrise, and the visual effects were as unimpressive as a child’s finger painting. I implore you, dear reader, to abstain from this cinematic atrocity.”
New Review: “As I sat in the theater, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of ennui that permeated the room. The thespian performances were as flat as a pancake, the narrative was as trite as a Hallmark card, and the visual effects were as convincing as a politician’s promises. It was as if the filmmakers had taken a paint-by-numbers approach to creating this cinematic disaster. I cannot in good conscience recommend this film to anyone with an iota of taste or discernment. Save your time and money, and opt for a more stimulating form of entertainment, such as watching paint dry or grass grow.
Review 1: “The food was delicious and the service was excellent. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great dining experience.”
Review 2: “I had the pleasure of dining at this establishment and let me tell you, it was a culinary delight! The flavors were so exquisite, I wanted to lick the plate clean. And the service? Top-notch! I felt like royalty. If you’re looking for a restaurant that will make your taste buds dance and your heart sing, this is the place for you!
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-14
Year of Release
2004
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Stereo
-
Aspect ratio:16:9 HD
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:India
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Keyword(s)
action, adventure, thriller, espionage, spy, James Bond, MI6, Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Léa Seydoux, Christoph Waltz, Monica Bellucci, Dave Bautista, directed by Sam Mendes, written by John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, produced by Michael G Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, music by Thomas Newman, cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, edited by Lee Smith, production design by Dennis Gassner, budget of $245 million, box office performance of $1.109 billion, reviewed by Roger Ebert, Fresh Kernels score of 63%, MPAA rating of PG-13, car chases, explosions, gadgets, exotic locations, high stakes, intense action, thrilling plot twists, iconic franchise
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Stanley Kubrick
Writers:
Stanley Kubrick – screenplay
Diane Johnson – screenplay
Stephen King – novel
Cast:
Jack Nicholson – Jack Torrance
Shelley Duvall – Wendy Torrance
Danny Lloyd – Danny Torrance
Scatman Crothers – Dick Hallorann
Barry Nelson – Stuart Ullman
Philip Stone – Delbert Grady
Joe Turkel – Lloyd the Bartender
Anne Jackson – Doctor
Tony Burton – Larry Durkin
Lia Beldam – Young Woman in Bath
Billie Gibson – Old Woman in Bath
Barry Dennen – Bill Watson
David Baxt – Forest Ranger #1
Manning Redwood – Forest Ranger #2
Lisa Burns – Grady Daughter
Louise Burns – Grady Daughter
Cinematography:
John Alcott
Music:
Wendy Carlos
Rachel Elkind
Production Design:
Roy Walker
Art Direction:
Leslie Tomkins
Set Decoration:
Vernon Dixon
Costume Design:
Milena Canonero
Makeup Department:
Tom Smith – makeup artist
Dick Smith – makeup artist
Production Management:
Douglas Twiddy – production manager
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director:
Brian W. Cook – assistant director
Art Department:
Peter Voysey – assistant art director
Sound Department:
Gordon K. McCallum – sound mixer
Bill Rowe – sound editor
Special Effects by:
Roy Arbogast – special effects
Visual Effects by:
Douglas Trumbull – special photographic effects
Stunts:
Bill Weston – stunts
Camera and Electrical Department:
Kelvin Pike – camera operator
Costume and Wardrobe Department:
Betty Adamson – wardrobe supervisor
Editorial Department:
Ray Lovejoy – supervising editor
Location Management:
Jan Harlan – location manager
Music Department:
Jack Nitzsche – music consultant
Transportation Department:
Eddie Frewin – transportation captain
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
Plot
In “The Godfather,” the aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son. As the son becomes more involved in the family business, he must navigate dangerous alliances and betrayals to protect his loved ones and maintain his power.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
NA
NA.jpg
87%
Miracle (2004)
87%RT Audience Score: 90%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Kurt Russell’s performance guides this cliche-ridden tale into the realm of inspirational, nostalgic goodness
Miracle is a movie that will make you believe in the impossible, just like believing that I can eat a whole pizza by myself and not feel guilty about it. Kurt Russell is amazing as Herb Brooks, and the story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team is truly inspiring. Sure, there’s some jingoism, but who doesn’t love a good underdog story? It’s a great reminder that sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of faith and a whole lot of hard work to achieve greatness. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to feel all the feels.
Production Company(ies)
Warner Bros.,
Distributor
Buena Vista Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-14
Year of Release
2004
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Stereo
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Aspect ratio:16:9 HD
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Runtime:2h 15m
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Language(s):
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Country of origin:Czech Republic, Latvia, Romania
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 2, 2004 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 4, 2006
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Kurt Russell, directed by Gavin O’Connor, written by Eric Guggenheim, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by J.R Jones, produced by Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray, PG rating, 1980 U.S men’s Olympic hockey team, Herb Brooks, college coach, Soviet team, American patriotism, Cold War, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich, Sean McCann, Kenneth Welsh, Eddie Cahill, sports violence, language, Buena Vista Pictures, surround sound, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS, Scope (2.35:1), hockey, Olympic games, inspirational, nostalgic, Cinderella story, Al Michaels, commentary, intense, emotional, inspiring, microcosm, relationships, intensity, passion, true story, Kurt Russell’s performance, exceptional hockey coach, shrewd Minnesota college coach, American patriotism during the Cold War
Worldwide gross: $64,445,708
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $64,378,093
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Patricia Clarkson – Mrs. Brooks
Noah Emmerich – Craig Patrick
Sean McCann – Walter Bush
Kenneth Welsh – Doc Nagobads
Eddie Cahill – Jim Craig
Director(s)
Gavin O’Connor
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray
Film Festivals
Venice
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (166) | Top Critics (47) | Fresh (134) | Rotten (32)
If you can get past the jingoism, Miracle’s a good story about an exceptional hockey coach.
June 29, 2022
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Moving story of the 1980 Olympic hockey team.
December 26, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
Believe in the greatness of Kurt Russell.
May 4, 2005 | Rating: B+
Nick Schager
Lessons of Darkness
TOP CRITIC
If you can tolerate all this phony uplift you’ll also get a pretty interesting story about a shrewd Minnesota college coach named Herb Brooks.
February 14, 2004 | Rating: 2/4
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
[T]humbs up for this uplifting and inspirational movie about one of the great upsets in sports history.
February 13, 2004
Richard Roeper
Ebert & Roeper
TOP CRITIC
Russell is terrific as coach Herb Brooks.
February 10, 2004
Ed Park
Village Voice
TOP CRITIC
The game remains one of the best moments in sports history. “Miracle” depicts America’s spiritual triumph over the Specter of Communism. The implications of this Olympic showdown went far beyond the scope of sports, in the grand scheme of things.
March 9, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Mark Jackson
Epoch Times
When it comes to inspirational sports films, Miracle is near the top of the list.
February 23, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Danielle Solzman
Solzy at the Movies
Works not just as a sports film, but as an interesting study of relationships strengthened by sports.
November 16, 2019
Micheal Compton
Bowling Green Daily News
Thanks to the folks at Disney we can all relive those magic moments and the story behind them come February 6 with Miracle.
November 13, 2019
Debbie Lynn Elias
Behind The Lens
It’s all boosted by Kurt Russell who’s so great as Herb Brooks.
May 13, 2019 | Rating: 8/10
Rachel Wagner
Rachel’s Reviews (YouTube)
A story about people rather than just one a team going for the win. In doing so, O’Connor makes Miracle one of the more thoughtful and enjoyable films revolving around sports.
August 15, 2009
Ryan Cracknell
Movie Views…
Plot
The first season of anthology series Miracle Workers will be a Heaven-set workplace comedy based on Simon Rich’s book “What in God’s Name”, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Karan Soni. Radcliffe will play Craig, a low-level angel responsible for handling all of humanity’s prayers, and Steve Buscemi will play Craig’s boss God, who has pretty much checked out and is ready to move on to his next project. To prevent Earth’s destruction, Craig and fellow angel Eliza (Geraldine Viswanathan) must answer a seemingly unanswerable prayer: help two humans fall in love. ‘Miracle Workers’ is created by ‘Man Seeking Woman’ creator Simon Rich and executive produced by Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer of Michaels’ Broadway Video, Simon Rich, Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi. Broadway Video produces the series in association with Turner’s Studio T.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing to add here about Miracle.
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