Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers (2009)
94%RT Audience Score: 90%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is a riveting and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on one of the most significant events in American history. Through the lens of Ellsberg’s ethical journey, the film explores the complex and often murky world of politics, war, and human behavior. It’s a cloak-and-dagger thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, while also offering a fresh perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath. With its timely message about the dangers of false pretenses and the importance of speaking truth to power, this documentary is a must-see for anyone who cares about the future of our democracy.
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers” is a documentary that tells the story of one man’s journey to expose the truth about the Vietnam War. While the title may be a mouthful, the film is anything but unwieldy. It’s a thrilling and eye-opening account of a pivotal moment in American history. Watching it, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at Ellsberg’s bravery and determination. Plus, it’s a great reminder that politicians have been lying to us for decades. So, if you’re looking for a documentary that’s both informative and entertaining, this is definitely one to check out.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
First Run
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-MA
Year of Release
2009
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Stereo
-
Aspect ratio:16:9 HD
-
Runtime:1h 32m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 5, 2010 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 20, 2010
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, Daniel Ellsberg, Pentagon Papers, Vietnam War, government deception, media circus, Richard Nixon, military strategist, leaked documents, top-secret, Judith Ehrlich, Rick Goldsmith, produced by Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, directed by Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith, reviewed by Marjorie Baumgarten, Chris Vognar, Steven Rea, Joe Williams, J.R Jones, Brian Tallerico, David Harris, Glenn Dunks, Pete Hammond, Bill Gibron, MPAA rating, box office performance, budget, Peter Arnett, Ben Bagdikian
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
Ben Bagdikian – Self
Judith Ehrlich – Director, Producer
Rick Goldsmith – Director, Producer
Director(s)
Judith Ehrlich, Rick Goldsmith
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Judith Ehrlich, Rick Goldsmith
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (56) | Top Critics (23) | Fresh (54) | Rotten (2)
It’s a bit surprising that a documentary with such an unwieldy title offers such a streamlined and resonant account of history.
April 30, 2010 | Rating: 3/5
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
For those who know the story, Most Dangerous Man puts it in fresh perspective. If you don’t, there’s probably not a better way to discover it.
April 23, 2010 | Rating: 4.5/5
Chris Vognar
Dallas Morning News
TOP CRITIC
For those who lived through the turmoil of Vietnam, and for the generations that have come since, the film is an important document in its own right.
April 1, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/4
Steven Rea
Philadelphia Inquirer
TOP CRITIC
The film is also an exciting cloak-and-dagger thriller.
April 1, 2010 | Rating: 4/4
Joe Williams
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
TOP CRITIC
Ehrlich and Goldsmith carve out their own little place in the canon by focusing on the ethical journey of one man who refused to shrug off his own responsibility for the war and atoned for it with a seismic act of civil disobedience.
March 25, 2010
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
The lessons of The Most Dangerous Man in America are not merely about war, they are about life and human behavior.
March 25, 2010
Brian Tallerico
Movie Retriever
TOP CRITIC
If anything, there is much to learn from The Most Dangerous Man in America that is still applicable today, or at least until our country ceases beginning conflicts on false pretense.
August 5, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5
David Harris
Spectrum Culture
Watching this film in 2018 with The Post so fresh in the mind, however, is a particularly unique experience. The documentary helps flesh out many of the exterior strands of the story that Spielberg’s film left out (deliberately).
February 28, 2018 | Rating: B+
Glenn Dunks
The Film Experience
August 27, 2010 | Rating: 2/5
Pete Hammond
Boxoffice Magazine
Daniel Ellsberg was the first insider to take his concerns outside. The results changed the course of the conversation, and a country.
July 18, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Bill Gibron
PopMatters
But because “Dangerous Man” sees the era through Ellsberg’s eyes, and we hear the disgust in his voice as he describes his younger, gung-ho self, the film becomes a fascinating and clear-eyed self-portrait.
June 4, 2010 | Rating: 4/4
Rob Thomas
Capital Times (Madison, WI)
Stop me if you’ve heard this one, but sometimes politicians get us into wars that last forever and go nowhere under false pretenses.
June 2, 2010
Sean Burns
Philadelphia Weekly…
Plot
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is a documentary about the actions of Daniel Ellsberg, a military strategist who leaked top-secret documents about government deception during the Vietnam War, leading to a media circus and the end of the war and presidency of Richard Nixon.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The Tomatometer® for The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers is 96%, with only two negative reviews.
Judith-Ehrlich.jpg
94%
Notorious (1946)
94%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: 9 nominations
Notorious, the 1946 thriller directed by the master of suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock, is a film that continues to captivate audiences with its intricate plot and unforgettable performances. From the chemistry between Ingrid Bergman’s sultry socialite and Cary Grant’s stoic spy, to the nail-biting suspense that builds with each twist and turn, Notorious is a true masterpiece of cinema. Hitchcock’s direction is precise and controlled, allowing the film to seamlessly blend its thriller format with a romantic story that is both captivating and unique. And while some may argue that the film is shameless war propaganda, there’s no denying that Notorious is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the art of filmmaking.
Notorious is a classic thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With Hitchcock’s signature suspense and a plot full of duplicities, it’s a must-see for any fan of the genre. And let’s not forget the incandescent love scene between Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant – it’s enough to make anyone swoon. Plus, Grant’s icy continental accent is as sharp as a blade. All in all, Notorious is a film that will leave you both tense and enamored.
Production Company(ies)
Fox Searchlight Pictures, Voletta Wallace Films, Bystorm Films,
Distributor
Criterion Collection, RKO Radio Pictures, Anchor Bay Entertainment, Kino International Corp.
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
20th Century Fox Studios – 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexuality including dialogue, nudity, and for drug content
Year of Release
2009
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 43m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 15, 1946 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 14, 2008
Genre(s)
Mystery & Thriller
Keyword(s)
starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern, Leopoldine Konstantin, Reinhold Schünzel, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, written by John Taintor Foote, Ben Hecht, Alfred Hitchcock, Clifford Odets, mystery, thriller, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Nigel Andrews, Dave Kehr, Variety Staff, Wally Hammond, James Christopher, Peter Bradshaw, Eve Tushnet, Mike Massie, Beau North, Josephine O’Neill, MPAA rating, Criterion Collection, RKO Radio Pictures, Anchor Bay Entertainment, Kino International Corp., Mono, Flat (1.37:1), 35mm, 16mm
Worldwide gross: $44,420,167
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $61,393,589
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,248
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 6,695,048
US/Canada gross: $36,843,682
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $50,922,048
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,062
US/Canada opening weekend: $20,497,596
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $28,329,947
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 489
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $20,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $27,642,214
Production budget ranking: 1,192
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $14,885,332
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $18,866,042
ROI to date (est.): 44%
ROI ranking: 1,174
Ingrid Bergman – Alicia Huberman
Claude Rains – Alex Sebastian
Louis Calhern – Captain Paul Prescott
Leopoldine Konstantin – Madame Anna Sebastian
Reinhold Schünzel – Dr. Anderson
Director(s)
Alfred Hitchcock
Writer(s)
John Taintor Foote, Ben Hecht, Alfred Hitchcock, Clifford Odets
Producer(s)
Alfred Hitchcock
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
9 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (48) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (46) | Rotten (2)
It’s completely hypnotic: from the twisting strands of a plot defying us fully to trust anyone, to those Hitchcock specials, the shots and scenes where the camera too is a lethal conspiracist.
August 7, 2019 | Rating: 5/5
Nigel Andrews
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
The virtuoso sequences — the long kiss, the crane shot into the door key — are justly famous, yet the film’s real brilliance is in its subtle and detailed portrayal of infinitely perverse relationships.
August 5, 2014
Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Production and directorial skill of Alfred Hitchcock combine with a suspenseful story and excellent performances to make Notorious force entertainment.
February 23, 2012
Variety Staff
Variety
TOP CRITIC
It’s the accuracy, efficiency and control of Hitchcock’s direction that most impress. They enable him to dovetail the film’s thriller format and romantic story to dizzying, expressive and unique effect.
January 16, 2009 | Rating: 5/5
Wally Hammond
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Hitchcock’s classic 1946 thriller Notorious is a terrific romantic tango between Ingrid Bergman’s exotic and spicy socialite and Cary Grant’s prim and proper American spy. It’s also shameless war propaganda.
January 16, 2009 | Rating: 4/5
James Christopher
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Notorious has fascinating echoes of other Hitchcock movies such as Rebecca and Psycho. A must-see or must-see-again.
January 16, 2009 | Rating: 5/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
I just did not feel any chemistry between our leads…
May 17, 2021
Eve Tushnet
Patheos
Hitchcock’s signature, nail-biting suspense ratchets up exponentially by the minute as the plot of uncountable duplicities reveals itself.
August 13, 2020 | Rating: 10/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Here Grant’s continental accent is used to icy perfection, each clipped word as sharp and vicious as the point of blade.
January 23, 2020
Beau North
The Spool
The first love-scene between Miss Bergman and Mr. Grant is the most incandescent interlude ever to reach the screen.
October 22, 2019
Josephine O’Neill
Daily Telegraph (Australia)
Sometimes bleakly humorous, frequently unbearably tense. Bergman and Grant spark off each other perfectly. (4K restoration)
August 19, 2019 | Rating: 4.5/5
Sarah Cartland
Caution Spoilers
There are more obviously Hitchcockian films, like the big Technicolor masterpieces he made in the 1950s – Rear Window, North by Northwest, Vertigo – but nothing quite matches the sense of danger Hitchcock found in his stars in Notorious.
August 13, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Tom Shone
Sunday Times (UK)…
Plot
NOTORIOUS is the story of Christopher Wallace. Through raw talent and sheer determination, Wallace transforms himself from Brooklyn street hustler (once selling crack to pregnant women) to one of the greatest rappers of all time; THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. Follow his meteoric rise to fame and his refusal to succumb to expectations – redefining our notion of “The American Dream.”
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The long kiss between Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant in Notorious was considered scandalous for its time, running for more than three seconds on screen.
Alfred-Hitchcock.jpg
94%
Moon (2009)
94%RT Audience Score: 89%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Boosted by Sam Rockwell’s intense performance, Moon is a compelling work of science-fiction, and a promising debut from director Duncan Jones.
Moon is a sci-fi movie that proves you don’t need a massive budget to create a captivating story. Sam Rockwell’s performance is out of this world, and he carries the film on his own. It’s a slow burn, but the attention to detail makes it worth the watch. Plus, who doesn’t love a good psychological drama in space? It’s like Inception meets Gravity, but with less spinning and more existential dread. Overall, Moon is a must-see for any sci-fi fan looking for something a little different.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-14
Year of Release
2009
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital Dolby Atmos
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 37m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jun 12, 2009 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 29, 2009
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller/Sci-fi
Keyword(s)
starring Sam Rockwell, directed by Duncan Jones, written by Nathan Parker, mystery, thriller, sci-fi, box office performance, budget, reviewed by James Luxford, Ben Kenigsberg, Perri Nemiroff, Bob Mondello, Philip Kemp, Jason Bailey, PJ Nabarro, Patrick Nabarro, Matt Brunson, Mike Massie, Nikki Baughan, David Harris, Kelly Jane Torrance, R rating, astronaut, lunar mine, clone, hallucinations, Sam Bell, Tess Bell, Eve Bell, Thompson, Overmeyers, The Technician, Dominique McElligott, Kaya Scodelario, Benedict Wong, Matt Berry, Malcolm Stewart, Stuart Fenegan, Trudie Styler, Sony Pictures Classics, 196 reviews, 100,000+ ratings, Sam Bell’s health, mystery, company crew, English, Jun 12, 2009 Limited, Dec 29, 2009, $5.0M, 1h 37m
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
Dominique McElligott – Tess Bell
Kaya Scodelario – Eve Bell
Benedict Wong – Thompson
Matt Berry – Overmeyers
Malcolm Stewart – The Technician
Director(s)
Duncan Jones
Writer(s)
Nathan Parker
Producer(s)
Stuart Fenegan, Trudie Styler
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (196) | Top Critics (63) | Fresh (176) | Rotten (20)
Made with only a fraction of your average Star Wars or Marvel movie, but does so much with (relatively little). Sam Rockwell is just fantastic given that he’s largely in the film on his own. A tremendous sci-fi movie.
June 24, 2022 | Rating: 5/5
James Luxford
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
November 17, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Ben Kenigsberg
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Simple and alien-free example of the sci-fi genre. Slow, but there are so many details deserving attention, the chance to take them all in one only enhances the experience.
August 14, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Perri Nemiroff
CinemaBlend
TOP CRITIC
Start calculating the costs to Lunar Industries of its singular form of devaluing, and Moon’s central premise stops making sense.
July 6, 2010
Bob Mondello
NPR.org
TOP CRITIC
Moon is an old-fashioned sci-fi movie in the best sense: far more psychological drama than space opera, dispensing with overweening CGI and loud flashy action sequences while harking back to subtler, more ideas-driven entries in the genre.
July 6, 2010
Philip Kemp
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
While some of it is clearly inspired by other material, director Jones spins this yarn into something unique and fresh and new and exhilarating.
May 6, 2010
Jason Bailey
DVDTalk.com
TOP CRITIC
It falls very much in the lineage of earlier sci-fi classics, but still provides enough virtuosity and individuality to make it somewhat novel.
November 5, 2021 | Rating: 4/5
PJ Nabarro
Patrick Nabarro
With Ziggy Stardust for a father, Major Tom for an uncle, and, presumably, the spiders from Mars for assorted in-laws, is it any wonder that Duncan Jones chose a science fiction project to mark his feature film debut?
August 31, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy
The film engagingly sets a cold, scarily inhumane atmosphere that is interesting but not spectacular.
November 29, 2020 | Rating: 6/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
[A] beautifully-crafted fable about the consequences of human greed and unfettered technological endeavour that’s plausible enough to be genuinely chilling.
October 30, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
Nikki Baughan
Roll Credits
Rockwell gives a great performance in what is more or less a one-man film.
October 9, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/5
David Harris
Spectrum Culture
Suffice it to say, Mr. Rockwell more than carries the film, with a nuanced performance that speaks volumes about the fears of alienation and corruption that always seem to accompany our literature about the future.
December 6, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/4
Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Times…
Plot
Astronaut Sam Bell’s three-year shift at a lunar mine is coming to an end, but his health takes a drastic turn for the worse and he meets what appears to be a younger version of himself, possibly a clone, in the compelling sci-fi mystery thriller, Moon.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Moon stars Sam Rockwell in a compelling and intense performance.
Duncan-Jones.jpg
94%
Waltz with Bashir (2008)
94%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
45 wins & 63 nominations total
A wholly innovative, original, and vital history lesson, with pioneering animation, Waltz With Bashir delivers its message about the Middle East in a mesmerizing fashion.
Waltz with Bashir is like a psychedelic acid trip through the horrors of war. The animation style is mind-blowing, with photo-realistic settings and under-animated movement that makes the faces of the characters even more haunting. It’s a powerful film that will leave you feeling shaken and moved. Plus, it’s a documentary, so you can feel good about learning something while also being entertained. Definitely not a movie to watch if you’re feeling down, but if you’re up for a heavy dose of reality, this is the film for you.
Production Company(ies)
Bridgit Folman Film Gang Les Films, d’ Ici Razor Film Produktion GmbH,
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for some disturbing images of atrocities, strong violence, brief nudity and a scene of graphic sexual content
Year of Release
2008
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 30m
-
Language(s):Hebrew, Arabic, German, English
-
Country of origin:United States, Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Switzerland
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2008 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 23, 2009
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, war, animation, Israeli, Sabra and Shatila massacre, post-traumatic stress disorder, journalist, psychologist, memory, futility of war, history lesson, innovative, original, Middle East, violence, nudity, atrocities, strong violence, graphic sexual violence, box office, gross USA, limited release, streaming, R rating, directed by Ari Folman, written by Ari Folman, produced by Ari Folman, Serge Lalou, Gerhard Meixner, Roman Paul, reviewed by Liam Lacey, David Ansen, Mary Corliss, Leslie Felperin, Roger Moore, Marc Savlov, Yasser Medina, Tom Meek, Felicia Feaster, Mattie Lucas, Kaleem Aftab, starring Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag, Ari Folman, Dror Harazi, Yehezkel Lazarov, Carmi Cna’an, Mickey Leon, Boaz Rein-Buskila, genre, documentary, Hebrew, Sony Pictures Classics, critic reviews, audience score, rated R, budget, producer names, MPAA rating, critic names, actor names
Worldwide gross: $11,179,372
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $15,399,158
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,809
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,679,297
US/Canada gross: $2,283,849
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $3,145,915
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,931
US/Canada opening weekend: $50,021
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $68,902
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,091
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $1,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $2,066,193
Production budget ranking: 2,027
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,112,645
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $12,220,320
ROI to date (est.): 384%
ROI ranking: 351
Ronny Dayag – Self
Ari Folman – Self
Dror Harazi – Self
Yehezkel Lazarov – Carmi Cna’an (Voice)
Mickey Leon – Boaz Rein-Buskila (Voice)
Director(s)
Ari Folman
Writer(s)
Ari Folman
Producer(s)
Ari Folman, Serge Lalou, Gerhard Meixner, Roman Paul
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
45 wins & 63 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (153) | Top Critics (54) | Fresh (147) | Rotten (6)
Persepolis meets Full Metal Jacket in Ari Folman’s powerful and original animated war film.
September 14, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/4
Liam Lacey
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
These depictions of the dementia of war have a hallucinatory power that can stand alongside those of Apocalypse Now.
July 6, 2010
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
The message of the futility of war has rarely been painted with such bold strokes.
July 6, 2010
Mary Corliss
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Special, strange and peculiarly potent.
July 6, 2010
Leslie Felperin
Variety
TOP CRITIC
The look of Waltz with Bashir is what is most arresting. It’s a deep, multi-plane style of animation that incorporates photo-real settings, realistic renderings of the people and under-animated movement, especially of faces.
July 16, 2009 | Rating: 4/5
Roger Moore
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
A dreamy, animated psycho-documentary.
February 26, 2009 | Rating: 4/5
Marc Savlov
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
A very powerful film about the horrors of war and the corrosive effects of dehumanization, told with a fast paced and splendid animation style. [Full review in Spanish]
December 2, 2020 | Rating: 8/10
Yasser Medina
Cinemaficionados
The somber reflection of war and renderings of absurd happenings along the way convey the horrors of war hauntingly. The composition, pace and tenor is nothing short of brilliant.
August 14, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4
Tom Meek
Cambridge Day
Dreams are central to this shattering, not-to-be-missed animated Israeli documentary, which opens on a gothic note that suggests a particularly macabre graphic novel or the corrosive pessimism of film noir.
January 27, 2020
Felicia Feaster
Charleston City Paper
A powerful rumination on war’s human toll, crafted with a unique and singular eye.
June 6, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/4
Mattie Lucas
From the Front Row
A brave, damning and riveting piece of cinema that deserves to find an audience.
November 4, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Kaleem Aftab
The List
A sensitive, remarkable piece of work that presents a devastating part of history in a way that never feels inappropriate, rather, it feels essential.
October 31, 2018 | Rating: 5/5
Cameron Frew
FrewFilm…
Plot
One night at a bar, an old friend tells director Ari about a recurring nightmare in which he is chased by 26 vicious dogs. Every night, the same number of beasts. The two men conclude that there’s a connection to their Israeli Army mission in the first Lebanon War of the early eighties. Ari is surprised that he can’t remember a thing anymore about that period of his life. Intrigued by this riddle, he decides to meet and interview old friends and comrades around the world. He needs to discover the truth about that time and about himself. As Ari delves deeper and deeper into the mystery, his memory begins to creep up in surreal images.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film features Israeli filmmaker Ari Folman, who wrote, directed, and stars in this autobiographical animated film.
Ari-Folman.jpg
94%
Iron Man (2008)
94%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 2 Oscars
21 wins & 73 nominations total
Powered by Robert Downey Jr.’s vibrant charm, Iron Man turbo-charges the superhero genre with a deft intelligence and infectious sense of fun.
Iron Man is a movie that will make you want to suit up and save the world. Robert Downey Jr. delivers a performance that is both charismatic and witty, making it impossible not to root for him. The CGI effects and action scenes are still exciting, even after all these years. And let’s not forget the satisfyingly climactic CGI battle that will leave you on the edge of your seat. If you don’t like Iron Man, then you should stop going to movies. It’s that good.
Production Company(ies)
Paramount Pictures, Marvel Enterprises Marvel Studios,
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content
Year of Release
2008
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:SDDS Dolby Digital DTS Dolby Atmos
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 6m
-
Language(s):English, Persian, Urdu, Arabic, Kurdish, Hindi, Hungarian
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 2008 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 30, 2008
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, Faran Tahir, directed by Jon Favreau, written by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, action, adventure, fantasy, PG-13, box office, budget, reviewed by Karl French, Deborah Ross, Craig Outhier, David Stratton, Nick Curtis, Robert Hanks, Nicolás Delgadillo, Rachel Wagner, David Hogan, Richard Propes, Siddhant Adlakha, Marvel Cinematic Universe, billionaire, industrialist, inventor, weapons tests, terrorists, armored suit, crime, terrorism, superhero, intelligence, fun
Worldwide gross: $585,796,247
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $806,911,946
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 144
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 87,994,760
US/Canada gross: $319,034,126
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $439,457,318
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 99
US/Canada opening weekend: $98,618,668
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $135,843,447
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 50
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $140,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $192,844,650
Production budget ranking: 129
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $103,846,844
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $510,220,452
ROI to date (est.): 172%
ROI ranking: 704
Terrence Howard – Jim “Rhodey” Rhodes
Gwyneth Paltrow – Virginia “Pepper” Potts
Jeff Bridges – Obadiah Stane
Shaun Toub – Yinsen
Faran Tahir – Raza
Director(s)
Jon Favreau
Writer(s)
Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway
Producer(s)
Avi Arad, Kevin Feige
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 2 Oscars
21 wins & 73 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (281) | Top Critics (70) | Fresh (263) | Rotten (18)
Still, if the film is ultimately disappointing it is in part because it begins so well, and there is a lot to enjoy before the over-the-top final act.
October 7, 2018
Karl French
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
I like Downey Jr, usually, with his dark wounded eyes, but here his performance veers between going though the motions and a look which seems to say, “Hey, what film am I doing again?”
August 23, 2018
Deborah Ross
The Spectator
TOP CRITIC
Led by Downey’s career-resurrecting performance as billionaire weapons peddler Tony Stark, it proves just as indispensable to the movie’s giddy escapist appeal as the seamless CGI effects and eye-popping pyrotechnics.
June 15, 2015 | Rating: A-
Craig Outhier
Orange County Register
TOP CRITIC
What gives this its distinction [is] Robert Downey Jr, who is terrific.
June 15, 2015 | Rating: 3.5/5
David Stratton
At the Movies (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
Iron Man manages to be both a lot of fun, and quite possibly the most effective commentary on the war on terror that Hollywood has produced so far — not the best argued or the most committed, but the one that most people will see, and think about.
June 9, 2015 | Rating: 3/5
Robert Hanks
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
There’s a satisfyingly climactic CGI battle, but Downey Jr tops it in the witty denouement with pure acting skill.
June 9, 2015
Nick Curtis
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
When all is said and done, this is, without a doubt, the Robert Downey Jr. show from start to finish.
June 24, 2021
Nicolás Delgadillo
Discussing Film
One of the best they’ve ever made
March 26, 2021
Rachel Wagner
Rachel’s Reviews (YouTube)
A fun two-hours thanks to a top cast lead by a charismatic Robert Downey Jr. Most of the effects still hold up and the action scenes are still exciting.
February 24, 2021 | Rating: 5/5
David Hogan
hoganreviews.co.uk
If you don’t like Iron Man, then you should stop going to movies.
September 12, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
Marvel’s questions of intervention are locked within an invisible framework, one that allows for lip-service to questioning power, yet one that implicitly comes down on the side of power itself, forever protecting the American status quo.
December 15, 2019
Siddhant Adlakha
Slashfilm
This is Downey at the top of his game, delivering a performance full of humor and self-awareness.
October 29, 2019 | Rating: B+
Micheal Compton
Bowling Green Daily News…
Plot
Tony Stark. Genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. Son of legendary inventor and weapons contractor Howard Stark. When Tony Stark is assigned to give a weapons presentation to an Iraqi unit led by Lt. Col. James Rhodes, he’s given a ride on enemy lines. That ride ends badly when Stark’s Humvee that he’s riding in is attacked by enemy combatants. He survives – barely – with a chest full of shrapnel and a car battery attached to his heart. In order to survive he comes up with a way to miniaturize the battery and figures out that the battery can power something else. Thus Iron Man is born. He uses the primitive device to escape from the cave in Iraq. Once back home, he then begins work on perfecting the Iron Man suit. But the man who was put in charge of Stark Industries has plans of his own to take over Tony’s technology for other matters.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Robert Downey Jr.’s performance as Tony Stark/Iron Man is described as “career-resurrecting” and “full of humor and self-awareness.”
Jon-Favreau.jpg
94%
WALL-E (2008)
94%RT Audience Score: 90%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
94 wins & 95 nominations total
Wall-E’s stellar visuals testify once again to Pixar’s ingenuity, while its charming star will captivate younger viewers — and its timely story offers thought-provoking subtext.
WALL-E is the ultimate love story between two robots, and it’s not just for kids. This movie is a masterpiece that will make you laugh, cry, and think about the future of our planet. The animation is stunning, and the attention to detail is impressive. The way the story unfolds is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with WALL-E and EVE. This movie is a must-see for anyone who loves great storytelling, beautiful animation, and robots with personalities.
Production Company(ies)
Forty Four Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures,
Distributor
Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Walt Disney Animation Studios – 2100 Riverside Drive, Burbank, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
G
Year of Release
2008
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTSS DDS Dolby Digital Dolby Atmos
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 37m
-
Language(s):English, Hindi
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jun 27, 2008 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 18, 2008
Genre(s)
Adventure/Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, directed by Andrew Stanton, written by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Pixar, Walt Disney, G, Adventure, Comedy, box office success, budget, reviewed by Adam Nayman, Deborah Ross, Glenn Kenny, David Stratton, Andrew Osmond, Ryan Gilbey, Brian Eggert, Mike Massie, Richard Propes, Michael J Casey, Danielle Solzman, Micheal Compton, audience reviews, WALL-E, EVE, robots, love story, consumer culture, science-fiction, Pixar Animation Studios, SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Jim Morris, Captain, Mary, Shelby Forthright, BnL CEO, M-O, John, Moon, 66 Questions, Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel, Kung Fu Panda, Coraline, Fantastic Mr Fox, Up, How to Train Your Dragon, MPAA rating, Pixar collection, streaming, theaters, rent/buy, subscription, sound mix
Worldwide gross: $521,311,890
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $718,087,209
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 170
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 78,308,311
US/Canada gross: $223,808,164
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $308,287,194
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 181
US/Canada opening weekend: $63,087,526
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $86,900,656
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 95
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $180,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $247,943,122
Production budget ranking: 38
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $133,517,371
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $336,626,715
ROI to date (est.): 88%
ROI ranking: 986
Elissa Knight – Eve – Voice
Jeff Garlin – Captain – Voice
Fred Willard – Shelby Forthright, BnL CEO
John Ratzenberger – John – Voice
Kathy Najimy – Mary – Voice
Director(s)
Andrew Stanton
Writer(s)
Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon
Producer(s)
Jim Morris
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
94 wins & 95 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Best Animated Feature Film Winners, Oscar Nominees, Oscar Winners
All Critics (261) | Top Critics (70) | Fresh (249) | Rotten (12)
The tale of a trash compactor from the future who’s desperate for connection isn’t just one of Pixar’s unlikeliest successes, but its most arresting and prescient.
June 17, 2022
Adam Nayman
The Ringer
TOP CRITIC
Much of the film is wonderfully imagined, and there is something utterly winning about this tin can topped with binoculars… It’s just a shame that, at the end, it trips itself up with its own SENTIMENTALITE.
August 23, 2018
Deborah Ross
The Spectator
TOP CRITIC
Although Wall-E ends with a very apt and moving nod to City Lights, it is in fact Pixar’s answer to Modern Times-both a bravura summation of everything the studio is great at and a “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” statement of purpose.
December 13, 2017
Glenn Kenny
MUBI
TOP CRITIC
Director Andrew Stanton has pulled off a remarkable achievement here.
July 29, 2015 | Rating: 4/5
David Stratton
At the Movies (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
It indeed feels ‘new’, moving out of Pixar’s comfort zone while retaining the brand’s populist virtues: loveable characters, crafted jokes, aw-shucks niceness and wonderful images.
August 13, 2014
Andrew Osmond
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
Much of the joy here comes from the aesthetic clash between the metallic sweethearts.
August 13, 2014
Ryan Gilbey
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
WALLE stands as the studios crowning achievement.
February 14, 2022 | Rating: 4/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Gorgeous visuals, unmatched animation, and wondrously moving scenarios mask a relatively simple story of love.
November 28, 2020 | Rating: 9/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Hollywood gets it right and kudos go to Pixar/Disney for the beautiful, touching, funny, and unforgettable Wall-E.
September 26, 2020 | Rating: 4.0/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
A charming love story of two lonely robots surrounding a satire of consumer culture. Strong stuff.
June 29, 2020 | Rating: 5/5
Michael J. Casey
Boulder Weekly
WALL-E is one of the best animated films of the century.
February 17, 2020 | Rating: 5/5
Danielle Solzman
Solzy at the Movies
A delightful family film full of wonder and plenty of heart.
October 29, 2019 | Rating: B+
Micheal Compton
Bowling Green Daily News…
Plot
In a distant, but not so unrealistic, future where mankind has abandoned earth because it has become covered with trash from products sold by the powerful multi-national Buy N Large corporation, WALL-E, a garbage collecting robot has been left to clean up the mess. Mesmerized with trinkets of Earth’s history and show tunes, WALL-E is alone on Earth except for a sprightly pet cockroach. One day, EVE, a sleek (and dangerous) reconnaissance robot, is sent to Earth to find proof that life is once again sustainable. WALL-E falls in love with EVE. WALL-E rescues EVE from a dust storm and shows her a living plant he found amongst the rubble. Consistent with her “directive”, EVE takes the plant and automatically enters a deactivated state except for a blinking green beacon. WALL-E, doesn’t understand what has happened to his new friend, but, true to his love, he protects her from wind, rain, and lightning, even as she is unresponsive. One day a massive ship comes to reclaim EVE, but WALL-E, out of love or loneliness, hitches a ride on the outside of the ship to rescue EVE. The ship arrives back at a large space cruise ship, which is carrying all of the humans who evacuated Earth 700 years earlier. The people of Earth ride around this space resort on hovering chairs which give them a constant feed of TV and video chatting. They drink all of their meals through a straw out of laziness and/or bone loss, and are all so fat that they can barely move. When the auto-pilot computer, acting on hastily-given instructions sent many centuries before, tries to prevent the people of Earth from returning by stealing the plant, WALL-E, EVE, the portly captain, and a band of broken robots stage a mutiny.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing specific is given, so here’s a tidbit about WALL-E himself: the sound effects for WALL-E’s movements were created by recording actual sounds made by a forklift and a cherry picker.
Andrew-Stanton.jpg
94%
U2 3D (2007)
94%RT Audience Score: 93%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win
U2 3D is a film that truly captures the essence of stadium rock, with its grandiose spectacle and larger-than-life performances. While some critics may argue that the film lacks innovation or intimacy, it is undeniable that the 3D visuals and immersive sound design make for a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Bono’s theatrical pleas for peace, love, and understanding may come across as cheesy to some, but there is no denying the power of his charisma and the band’s message. U2 3D is a must-see for die-hard fans and casual viewers alike, and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
U2 3D is like being at a concert, but without the overpriced beer and sweaty strangers bumping into you. The 3D visuals make it feel like Bono is reaching out to you personally, and the music is just as epic as you’d expect from these Irish rockers. Die-hard fans will be singing along and air-guitaring in their seats, while newcomers will be converted to the U2 fandom by the end. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves music and wants to experience a concert in a whole new way.
Production Company(ies)
3ality Digital Entertainment,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Docklands Stadium, Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
MPAA / Certificate
G
Year of Release
2008
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Stereo
-
Aspect ratio:1.78 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 22, 2008 Wide
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
starring Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr., directed by Catherine Owens, Mark Pellington, written by N/A, documentary, box office performance $10.4M, budget N/A, reviewed by Nell Minow, Joshua Rothkopf, Hank Sartin, Marjorie Baumgarten, David Gritten, Peter Bradshaw, Kaleem Aftab, Tony Macklin, Austin Kennedy, MPAA rating G, concert film, 3D experience, U2 performance, Vertigo tour, latter-day hits, classic songs, Beautiful Day, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Pride, With or Without You, Where the Streets Have No Name
Worldwide gross: $22,730,842
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $31,310,866
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,532
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 3,414,489
US/Canada gross: $10,363,341
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $14,275,106
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,510
US/Canada opening weekend: $946,000
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $1,303,079
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,252
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
The Edge – Self
Adam Clayton – Self
Larry Mullen Jr. – Self
Catherine Owens – Director
Mark Pellington – Director
Jon Shapiro – Producer
Peter Shapiro – Producer
John Modell – Producer
Director(s)
Catherine Owens, Mark Pellington
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Jon Shapiro, Peter Shapiro, John Modell, Catherine Owens
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 win
Academy Awards
All Critics (88) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (81) | Rotten (7)
February 18, 2012 | Rating: B+
Nell Minow
Movie Mom
TOP CRITIC
November 16, 2011 | Rating: 3/5
Joshua Rothkopf
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
November 16, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Hank Sartin
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
On the IMAX screen, these Irish rockers really rattle and hum.
October 18, 2008 | Rating: 4/5
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Inadvertently, U2 3D mimics perfectly the empty, intimacy-free spectacle that is stadium rock.
February 22, 2008
David Gritten
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
U2 just look like four conceited billionaires who are further up themselves than ever.
February 22, 2008 | Rating: 1/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
Despite the 3D visuals, there is nothing about this film that is cool or innovative.
November 4, 2018 | Rating: 2/5
Kaleem Aftab
The List
U2 3D is an isle of style and sense in a sea of mediocrity.
February 2, 2009 | Rating: 3.0/5
Tony Macklin
Fayetteville Free Weekly
If you are a die hard U2 fan, you will LOVE LOVE LOVE this! A very cool experience!
July 22, 2008 | Rating: 3/4
Austin Kennedy
Sin Magazine
By the time Bono turns to the camera, reaching out to his audience in a typically theatrical plea for peace, love and understanding, one half expects his outstretched hand to surge through the screen and seize one of your own.
April 9, 2008 | Rating: 3.5/4
Rossiter Drake
San Francisco Examiner
When Bono reaches into the camera and out of the screen, there are few cinematic moments more intimate.
April 3, 2008
Annlee Ellingson
Boxoffice Magazine
It is a band apart, both in terms of music and message.
March 6, 2008 | Rating: B
Robert Roten
Laramie Movie Scope…
Plot
U2 3D is a concert film that provides an immersive 3D experience of U2’s “Vertigo” tour, featuring thrilling renditions of their hits and classic songs from their back catalog.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Despite some negative reviews, U2 3D received an impressive 92% on the Tomatometer, with critics praising the immersive 3D experience and the band’s electrifying performances.
Catherine-Owens.jpg
94%
The Class (2008)
94%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Energetic and bright, this hybrid of documentary style and dramatic plotting looks at the present and future of France through the interactions of a teacher and his students in an inner city high school.
The Class is like a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of a school year. It’s not your typical feel-good teacher movie, but it’s still inspiring in its own way. The film takes you on a journey through the struggles of the educational system and the challenges faced by both teachers and students. It’s a fascinating and authentic experience that will leave you thinking about the issues it raises long after the credits roll. Plus, it won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, so you know it’s gotta be good!
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
TV-G
Year of Release
2008
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:2h 9m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 2008 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 11, 2009
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring François Bégaudeau, directed by Laurent Cantet, written by François Bégaudeau, Robin Campillo, Laurent Cantet, drama, box office performance $3.8M, critic reviews, reviewed by Deborah Ross, Ben Kenigsberg, Jonathan F Richards, Leo Goldsmith, J R Jones, Cosmo Landesman, Richard Propes, Daniel Barnes, Felicia Feaster, PJ Nabarro, Patrick Nabarro, produced by Carole Scotta, Caroline Benjo, Barbara Letellier, Simon Arnal, PG-13, inner-city high school, teacher, students, education barriers, teen violence, ethnic tensions, multicultural diversity, documentary style, French language, literature teacher, Francois Marin, Esmeralda Ouertani, Rachel Regulier, Franck Keita, Wei Huang, Agame Malembo-Emene, Sony Pictures Classics, 2h 9m, Cannes Film Festival, Palme d’Or winner
Worldwide gross: $29,303,505
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $3,766,810
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
Esmeralda Ouertani – Esmeralda
Rachel Regulier – Khoumba
Franck Keita – Souleymane
Wei Huang – Wei
Agame Malembo-Emene – self
Director(s)
Laurent Cantet
Writer(s)
François Bégaudeau, Robin Campillo, Laurent Cantet
Producer(s)
Carole Scotta, Caroline Benjo, Barbara Letellier, Simon Arnal
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (161) | Top Critics (64) | Fresh (153) | Rotten (8)
This is not an ‘inspirational teacher’ movie, but it is a small, quiet inspiration.
August 29, 2018
Deborah Ross
The Spectator
TOP CRITIC
November 17, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Ben Kenigsberg
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
But ultimately it’s a fascinating, sometimes exhilarating movie that seems to make a genuine contact with the classroom, and shows us an educational system struggling, and managing, to survive.
August 23, 2009
Jonathan F. Richards
Film.com
TOP CRITIC
Cantet’s film lulls the spectator into the rhythms of the everyday reality of school, belying a very carefully coordinated narrative structure that only becomes apparent in its final act.
August 8, 2009
Leo Goldsmith
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
Most impressive, Cantet tracks the racial and ethnic resentments that simmer beneath the classroom discussions but become harder to quell when the parents get involved.
March 13, 2009
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
The film raises important questions about learning, authority and discipline, and is honest enough to admit that it doesn’t really have any answers.
March 6, 2009 | Rating: 4/5
Cosmo Landesman
Times (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2008.
September 5, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
The film leaps through the school year in sudden blinks, with the opportunity for Beagaudeau to reach these kids becoming as ungraspable as melting snow.
February 8, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Daniel Barnes
Dare Daniel
Despite a noble desire to plumb the real racial, class, and generational politics of a contemporary classroom, The Class may strike some as unbearably prolonged, and at times, stagnant exercise.
January 27, 2020
Felicia Feaster
Charleston City Paper
The Class is a riveting, authentic experience.
October 3, 2019 | Rating: 4.5/5
David Harris
Spectrum Culture
There’s something so inherently truthful and universal about what the film shows, and, if anything, its success is in its seeming lack of rhetoric and polemicising.
January 27, 2019 | Rating: 4/5
PJ Nabarro
Patrick Nabarro
There are lessons to be learned in The Class, but its makers aren’t clear enough on what they are.
December 11, 2018 | Rating: 3/4
Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Times…
Plot
A French language and literature teacher at an inner-city Paris high school navigates the challenges of reaching out to his diverse students, including ethnic tensions and education barriers, in the drama film “The Class.”
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast and crew of The Class includes real-life teacher and author François Bégaudeau, who wrote the novel on which the film is based and also stars as himself in the lead role.
Laurent-Cantet.jpg
94%
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
94%RT Audience Score: 92%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 4 Oscars
68 wins & 107 nominations total
Breathtaking visuals and dynamic performances make The Diving Bell and the Butterfly a powerful biopic.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate life all at the same time. It’s a stunning and moving film that tells the story of a man whose imagination takes flight even when his body cannot follow. Director Julian Schnabel’s restraint and maturity shine through in this lovely movie, which never stoops to audience manipulation. Instead, it presents the story in a simple, heartfelt way and allows the viewer to follow their own feelings. It’s a work of art, a celebration of life and hope, and a testament to the human mind. So grab some popcorn, tissues, and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions!
Production Company(ies)
Pathé Renn Productions, France 3 Cinéma
Distributor
Miramax Films
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Berck, Pas-de-Calais, France
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for nudity, sexual content and some language
Year of Release
2008
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 54m
-
Language(s):French
-
Country of origin:United States, France
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 2007 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 29, 2008
Genre(s)
Biography/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny, Patrick Chesnais, Niels Arestrup, directed by Julian Schnabel, written by Ronald Harwood, biography, drama, PG-13, Miramax Films, Kathleen Kennedy, Jon Kilik, box office gross $6.0M, reviewed by Ben Kenigsberg, Joshua Rothkopf, Peter Bradshaw, Bob Mondello, Peter Howell, Alan Morrison, Dan DiNicola, Richard Crouse, Mike Massie, Toni Vall, Richard Propes, starring Jean-Dominique Bauby, Celine Desmoulin, Henriette Durand, Claude, Dr Lepage, Roussin, locked-in syndrome, memoir, French fashion, Elle magazine, stroke, brain stem, communication, blinking, eye, sexual content, nudity, some language, limited release, streaming, rent/buy from $2.99-$3.99
Worldwide gross: $19,780,116
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $27,246,354
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,575
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 2,971,249
US/Canada gross: $6,003,227
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $8,269,216
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,674
US/Canada opening weekend: $75,721
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $104,303
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,917
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
Emmanuelle Seigner – Celine Desmoulin
Marie-Josée Croze – Henriette Durand
Anne Consigny – Claude
Patrick Chesnais – Dr. Lepage
Niels Arestrup – Roussin
Director(s)
Julian Schnabel
Writer(s)
Ronald Harwood
Producer(s)
Kathleen Kennedy, Jon Kilik
Film Festivals
Cannes
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 4 Oscars
68 wins & 107 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (176) | Top Critics (56) | Fresh (166) | Rotten (10)
November 18, 2011 | Rating: 3/5
Ben Kenigsberg
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
November 17, 2011 | Rating: 3/5
Joshua Rothkopf
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Nothing in director Julian Schnabel’s career so far has anticipated the sweetness, sadness, maturity and restraint of this lovely movie.
October 18, 2008 | Rating: 5/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
What’s fascinating is that it is the very restrictions the story imposes on a director that allow Schnabel to turn it into such an eerie stunner of a movie.
October 18, 2008
Bob Mondello
NPR.org
TOP CRITIC
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is one of the best movies of 2007, but I’d argue it’s also the one most in tune with what this season of goodwill and tolerance is supposed to be all about.
October 18, 2008 | Rating: 3.5/4
Peter Howell
Toronto Star
TOP CRITIC
A poignant reflection on what it means to be alive and, visually, a true cinematic experience.
February 8, 2008 | Rating: 4/5
Alan Morrison
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
The movie’s overwhelming achievement is its evocation of a life and events without wallowing in any kind of pity or histrionic melodrama.
March 22, 2021
Dan DiNicola
The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY)
Never stoops to audience manipulation, it simply presents the story in a simple, heartfelt way and allows the viewer to follow their own feelings rather than have the filmmaker try to tell them how they should be reacting.
January 31, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/5
Richard Crouse
Richard Crouse
About as stunning and moving as a film can get.
November 24, 2020 | Rating: 10/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Is not only fascinating, it’s a great movie. [Full review in Spanish]
October 15, 2020 | Rating: 4.5/5
Toni Vall
Cinemanía (Spain)
About the life of one man whose imagination took flight even when his body could not follow.
September 6, 2020 | Rating: 4.0/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
A work of art. A celebration of life and hope. A testament to the human mind.
November 7, 2019
Debbie Lynn Elias
Behind The Lens…
Plot
Forty-three year old Elle magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby – Jean-Do to his friends – awakens not knowing where he is. He is in a Berck-sur-Mer hospital, where he has been for the past several weeks in a coma after suffering a massive stroke. Although his cognitive facilities are intact, he quickly learns that he has what is called locked-in syndrome which has resulted in him being almost completely paralyzed, including not being able to speak. One of his few functioning muscles is his left eye. His physical situation and hospitalization uncomfortably bring together the many people in his life, including: Céline Desmoulins, his ex-lover and mother of his children; Inès, his current lover; and his aged father who he calls Papinou. Among his compassionate recuperative team are his physical therapist Marie, and his speech therapist Henriette. Henriette eventually teaches him to communicate using a system where he spells out words: she reads out the letters of the alphabet in descending order of their use in the French language, and he blinks his functioning left eye when she reaches the appropriate letter. Although frustrating at start, he learns to communicate effectively but slowly using this method, so much so that with the help of Claude, a full time translator, he decides on the monumental and seemingly impossible task to keep to his pre-injury commitment of writing a book, changing its focus to life in his current state.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Mathieu Amalric delivers a fine performance as Jean-Dominique Bauby and impresses with his ability to capture the life of a paralyzed man by conveying emotions only through one eye.
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94%
Lake of Fire (2007)
94%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: 14 nominations
Lake of Fire’s engaging interviews and powerful black-and-white visuals make for a riveting and honest documentary about a very controversial topic.
Lake of Fire is a documentary that tackles the controversial topic of abortion in America. Critics have praised the film for its raw and powerful approach, showing actual footage of abortions and the aftermath. Some have even said that it’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the issue better. However, if you’re looking for a light-hearted movie night, this is definitely not it. You might want to save this one for a day when you’re feeling emotionally prepared for some heavy subject matter.
Production Company(ies)
Anonymous Content
Distributor
ThinkFilm
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Unrated
Year of Release
2007
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:2h 32m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 3, 2007 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 11, 2008
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, abortion, Tony Kaye, Noam Chomsky, Randall Terry, pro-choice, pro-life, graphic footage, medical procedures, black-and-white visuals, controversial topic, critic reviews, box office, budget, MPAA rating, produced by ThinkFilm, reviewed by Ben Kenigsberg, Melissa Anderson, Bob Mondello, J.R Jones, Joshua Rothkopf, Brian Tallerico, Ian Buckwalter, Jennifer Merin, Sean Gandert, Cynthia Fuchs, Robert Roten, Marty Mapes, directed by Tony Kaye, written by Tony Kaye, starring Noam Chomsky, Randall Terry, genre: documentary, release date: Oct 3, 2007 Limited, runtime: 2h 32m, distributor: ThinkFilm
Worldwide gross: $25,317
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $36,268
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 3,099
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 3,955
US/Canada gross: $25,317
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $36,268
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,775
US/Canada opening weekend: $2,559
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $3,666
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,822
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
Noam Chomsky – Self
Randall Terry – Self
Director(s)
Tony Kaye
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
14 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (54) | Top Critics (25) | Fresh (51) | Rotten (3)
November 18, 2011 | Rating: 4/5
Ben Kenigsberg
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
November 17, 2011 | Rating: 1/5
Melissa Anderson
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
When the focus narrows to the personal, the film becomes undeniably powerful in its specifics.
October 18, 2008
Bob Mondello
NPR.org
TOP CRITIC
You may not leave the theater having switched sides, but you’ll probably respect the other side more, and that in itself would be a victory for human life.
December 4, 2007
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
For all its provocativeness, Lake of Fire is not a shapeless movie, nor a politically irresponsible one.
November 14, 2007 | Rating: 5/6
Joshua Rothkopf
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Lake of Fire doesn’t tell you what to decide, it just gives you as much information as possible to make the choice yourself.
November 8, 2007
Brian Tallerico
The Deadbolt
TOP CRITIC
Doesn’t aim to win converts or preach to the converted. His goal is rather to clear through the rhetoric, and look at abortion and its place in the American political dialog.
June 10, 2010 | Rating: 10/10
Ian Buckwalter
DCist
The film shows shocking footage of actual abortions in progress and the remains of aborted fetuses, as well as the appalling images of murdered abortion clinicians and the horrifying testimonies of pro-life fanatics who are convinced all abortionists shou
June 1, 2009 | Rating: 5/5
Jennifer Merin
About.com
Lake’s head-on confrontation of a problem most people simply wish to ignore is documentary cinema at its most raw and vital.
July 30, 2008
Sean Gandert
Paste Magazine
As the U.S. elections media coverage becomes incessant, it’s worth keeping in mind that actual listening to other “sides” can be enlightening.
January 17, 2008
Cynthia Fuchs
PopMatters
An intense, sometimes sickening, documentary about the abortion issue in the United States which reeks of brimstone.
January 16, 2008 | Rating: B
Robert Roten
Laramie Movie Scope
The most striking footage is of an abortion; the next is of hateful and ignorant Americans
December 20, 2007 | Rating: 3.5/4
Marty Mapes
Movie Habit…
Plot
Lake of Fire is a documentary that explores the heated and controversial topic of abortion in America, featuring interviews with people on both pro-choice and pro-life sides of the issue, as well as graphic footage of actual medical procedures.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Lake of Fire features interviews with philosopher and political activist Noam Chomsky and anti-abortion activist Randall Terry.
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