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Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 176 Ratings

  • Starring: F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce
  • Summary: The Director's Cut of Milos Forman's Oscar-winning 1984 film about the rivalry between composers Mozart (Hulce) and Salieri (Abraham).
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. 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.
  2. "Amadeus is about as close to perfection as movies get," I wrote in 1984. Now, it's 20 minutes closer.
  3. 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.
  4. Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    60
    It binds up introductory lessons in music appreciation, Freudian psychology, and fanciful history with a pulp thriller plot.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 40
  2. Negative: 2 out of 40
  1. 10
    Absolutely amazing. The watcher needs no prior knowledge of classical music to enjoy this movie because the plot is so riveting and the acting is so great. Afterwards the viewer may become interested in classical music just because this movie does an exceptional job displaying Mozart and Salieri's lives in an extremely interesting and captivating way. Expand
  2. 9
    This wonderful piece of historical-fiction brings to the table a variety of entertainment. Milo
  3. Having waited this long to watch it I have to admit that I am somewhat disappointed. It did not woe me at all. It is a long long costume drama about a guy with an annoying laugh and an obvious talent for music. Expand
  4. I was quite keen to watch this film but the over top and ridiculous American accent of Tom Hulce detracted from what could have otherwise been an enjoyable historical drama. Does it not matter what country the movie is set it? I'm sick of hearing **** American regardless of the setting. Collapse

See all 40 User Reviews

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