Metascore
93 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. 88
    Except for the Mozart music and Tharp movements around the edges, Amadeus plays like a monument to mediocrity. The movie belongs to Salieri.
  2. Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    60
    It binds up introductory lessons in music appreciation, Freudian psychology, and fanciful history with a pulp thriller plot.
  3. It still soars, but now it seems richer, more expansive. Amadeus reminds us that movies can be lyrical as well as vulgar, ambitious as well as playful, brilliant as well as down and dirty -- just like Amadeus himself.
  4. 100
    Remains the most popularly successful film ever to render the inner life of an artist.
  5. One of the finest qualities of Amadeus is that it reminds us of those rare occasions when an Oscar sweep is actually merited.
  6. "Amadeus is about as close to perfection as movies get," I wrote in 1984. Now, it's 20 minutes closer.
  7. Reviewed by: Ted Mahar
    83
    The big-screen reissue offers a rare chance to admire the marvelous production details.
  8. In what was indisputably his finest moment as a filmmaker, Forman summoned the absolute best work of his craftsmen -- costumes, makeup, camerawork, production design -- and merged them with his own storytelling sense and his special way with actors to create what has to stand as cinema's most successful musical epic.
  9. Reviewed by: Tasha Robinson
    90
    The superbly edited original version of Amadeus used overlapping sound cues for a lively flow between scenes, and the new version breaks up some of that flow with lengthy, talky interludes. Still, Ondrícek's breathtaking images and Forman's essential craft are best appreciated on the big screen, and another theatrical run for Amadeus is a welcome gift, no matter how much this edition unnecessarily gilds what's already a near-perfect lily
  10. Amadeus needs an additional 20 minutes running time like "The Magic Flute" needs a drum solo. Though the production is gussied up with more frills and decoration than a Viennese dessert trolley, Forman is generally workmanlike in his visual style and very uneven with his handling of actors.
  11. Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    90
    Loaded with pleasures, the greatest of which derive from the on location filming in Prague, the most 18th century of all European cities.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 172 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Negative: 2 out of 40
  1. 9
    This wonderful piece of historical-fiction brings to the table a variety of entertainment. Milo
  2. I saw this film when i was in eigth grade. I thought it would be boring, dull and incredibly moronic. How wrong I was. This movie is AMAZING! There are no words to describe its greatness. It is a visual treat that attracts the eye, and a glorious feast for music fans (and non-classical fans as well) It is close to perfection as movies come. Like Jaws, The Godfather, Raiders of the Lost Ark,Toy Story 3, and other great classics- i consider this to be my top favorite all time movie. It deserves all the awards it received. The only flaw it has, Tom Hulce didn't win best actor (but F. Murray Abraham did) IT IS AMAZING! Full Review »
  3. This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Simply awful. The acting is so bad, and Tom Hulce's performance in particular, this movie is unbearable to watch. Who came up with his ridiculous giggle ? The costumes do not match the acting, which makes this entire enterprise a really bad comedy, almost like a slapstick, but one that misses the mark completely. Full Review »