Affliction
User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8

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  1. MazRez
    Dec 16, 2001
    10
    Definitely THE best movie i've ever seen. I felt Nolte did an amazing job!
  2. PatC.
    Dec 19, 2003
    9
    A surprisingly realistic rendition of life out of the limelight, and a tragedy of Shakespearean scope where we understand how we got where we are. Magnificent performances by Nolte & Coburn, who interact to show us what actors are capable of when portraying people as they are when they go awry. This is not escapist entertainment, it's a scary reminder of the bullets some of us have been fortunate enough to have dodged, so one may not want to watch it 10 times. When it's all over, the movie has made a powerful case that we all have redemptive qualities, but fails to point them out. McDonagh's review is correct: the characters could have been cradled a little more. … Expand
  3. NedD.
    Sep 14, 2001
    9
    The kind of film that makes you want to hurl yourself in front of a speeding train, but in the best possible way. Painfully acute and powerfully cathartic. Definitely not a "happy" flick, which is fine with me.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Film.com
    Reviewed by: John Hartl
    90
    Affliction could be their (Nolte, Coburn) finest couple of hours on film; they do seem to be father and son, rather than actors playing these roles.
  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Desmond Ryan
    75
    Nolte, reinforced by the bleak discretion of Schrader's direction and a wonderful supporting cast, makes the most of the opportunity.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    60
    The pervasive chill, ugly feelings and downward spiral of the narrative make this a work that requires an equally sober, serious-minded attitude on the part of the viewer.
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