Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 121 Ratings

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 36
  2. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Reviewed by: Calvin Wilson
    Jun 24, 2011
    100
    A lovably quirky comedy-drama with a rhythm all its own.
  2. Reviewed by: Ann Hornaday
    Jun 9, 2011
    100
    You know you're in the hands of a superbly gifted filmmaker when he can pull off a talking dog.
  3. Reviewed by: Joe Neumaier
    Jun 3, 2011
    80
    Beginners is filled with crises of identity, but underneath it all is a beautifully humane, sweet and intelligent movie that knows exactly what it is at every moment.
  4. Reviewed by: Anna Smith
    Jul 18, 2011
    60
    With good performances and characters, Beginners is an enjoyable, amusing and occasionally poignant watch. Indie film fans will want to catch it, but it falls short of being a must-see.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 32
  2. Negative: 4 out of 32
  1. i only wish I could give this film a higher score than 'ten'. Beginners is quirky but beautiful--a small, creative, subtle, character driven kind of film, while still successfully moving the audience. It is comparable to modern romantic comedies like (500) Days of Summer, although more mature smart. Classic Woody Allen films come to mind when attempting to describe this gem (partially due to the prevalent old-school jazz soundtrack), although Beginners lacks the overt neurosis (which may be a positive depending on one's opinion). It grabs your heart and mind and refuses to let go, proving that Beginners will be a film that I continue to think about and admire for a long, long time. Ewan McGregor, Melanie Laurent, and Christopher Plummer are all visions. Highly recommended. Expand
  2. Great little film and probably Ewan McGregor's best in years. Portrays significant depth of emotional and sociological ideals such as growing old, finding love and dealing with inner demons. So may layers are peeled back slowly throughout the film, allowing the viewer to really feel each characters pain and burdens. Melanie Laurent shows herself to be a true gem, and a talent of the future. Expand
  3. Beginners is a movie about couple relationships, and it can be compare with Annie Hall, 500 Days of Summer and The Future, because they are very similar to real life, they are not a fairytale or an always happy ending story.
    This film compares and contrasts three couples, the one of Oliver with Ana, Hal with Georgia, and Hal with Andy. The first one is trying to arise in a world where everything is temporary; the second one is trying to be what they are not and trying to have what they have not; and the third one is trying to get their last chance to love, this couple appear when Georgia dies and Hal discovers that he is gay.
    The topic that treats this picture is the evolution of couple relationships during the last two centuries. In 1950 the relations were simpler, a couple shows how happy is their life, but is constantly hiding their problems under the carpet, so the sad moments never occur; and according to the movie those moments plus serious talk, are the foundation of a modern relationship. That is why Oliver and Ana go through ups and downs, in order to get what they really what, for what they are being waiting for a lifetime.
    Although it is a little bit slow and redundant, the film has amazing performances; the one of Christopher Plummer definitely deserves an Academy Award. The direction, script, music and montage are very well done.
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  4. Ewan McGregor stars as a troubled son. He just can't seem to handle a relationship with a woman and is preoccupied with sadness. Meanwhile, his father (Christopher Plummer) announces he's gay at 75, a subplot that adds the only life and warmth to the film. Oh yes, flashbacks to the childhood connection with his mother make regular appearances. All of this wandering thru a fluid timeline results in a numbingly navel-gazing, somewhat arty examination of life, love and happiness. Too heady to be enjoyable. Expand

See all 32 User Reviews

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