User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 35
  2. Negative: 2 out of 35

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  1. RyanM.
    Jan 13, 2002
    10
    The first time I saw it, I didn't get it. Now, after seeing it a second time, I get it, and it has emerged as one of the best movies I've ever seen.
  2. LukeH.
    Jul 13, 2002
    10
    I don't like Oliver Stone but his film techniques simply enhance the brilliance of this movie. I'm from Australia and may not know much about American football but I don't think that matters in a movie like this. You can't watch it for the football scenes. You have to watch it for the intense story and ridiculously good acting. This movie is incredible and if you don't like you're a fool. Expand
  3. AlexanderM.
    May 12, 2002
    10
    No comment, it's a football. If you not play football you can't understand...
  4. LevS.
    Jul 16, 2008
    9
    Great movie. Just lags a bit towards the end. I'm from Australia so I know nothing about NFL. But that doesn't matter, the story is remarkably poignant. Wonderful editing. Watch this movie. You may learn something.
  5. MaxwellS.
    Oct 5, 2003
    9
    Incredibly complex with a dozen real characters who's emotion and depth smashes from the screen just as much as the hard hitting music and bone crushing football scenes. This is a true movie.
  6. Cy
    Sep 21, 2001
    9
    I loved this movie. If it wasn't so long I would give it a 10. An All Star cast, with good acting. It also shows what the inside of sports is like.
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 32
  2. Negative: 8 out of 32
  1. 75
    A kinetically charged gridiron drama that is enormous fun to watch.
  2. Stone is an undeniably stylish director, and his talent for conveying intense emotion is well put to use here. But more often Stone's in-your-face technique is as exhausting as his steroid-enhanced players.
  3. This energetic and diverting sports soap opera throws a few head fakes in the direction of an iconoclastic examination of the dark side of professional football.