Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

  • Starring: Nicole Kidman, Vincent Cassel
  • Summary: A thriller about a mild-mannered banker (Chaplin) who takes a chance on a Russian mail-order bride (Kidman) arranged via the internet. (Miramax Films)
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 32
  2. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. 80
    Nicole Kidman -- continuing the string of remarkable performances that have followed "Eyes Wide Shut" -- finds plenty of fodder in the long-delayed Birthday Girl. A grimy thriller with a wicked streak of humor.
  2. 80
    It may not be particularly innovative, but the film's crisp, unaffected style and air of gentle longing make it unexpectedly rewarding.
  3. 60
    Kidman accomplishes a remarkable feat of transformation, adopting not only an accent, but a slightly seedy, faintly feral demeanor that almost makes you forget her icy good looks and fashion model's figure.
  4. The film's Russians are all played by French and Australian actors. Too bad Butterworth didn't find a Russian to play the Brit. That would have made the inauthenticity complete.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. JimmiH.
    8
    I saw this film by chance - had never heard of it before. Why do great movies like this go unnoticed? It has a great story with several twists, none of which feel forced. Reminds me a bit of the Coen brothers. It seemed a bit weird to have superstar Kidman playing the mystery russian girl, but her performance is really convincing and she gets away with it. Expand
  2. An alright movie that shows the acting abilities of Nicole Kidman and Vincent Cassel. As for the movie the first half of the movie is very good, but the second half is seems forced and rushed. the writing and direction are good, but nothing special. The movie is still enjoyable, but you can guess how it's going to end. 7.5/10. Expand

See all 3 User Reviews

Trailers