User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 49
  2. Negative: 1 out of 49

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  1. JosieP.
    Apr 3, 2001
    10
    Hilary Swank is off-the charts phenomenal in this movie. What a tough role, yet deftly handled.
  2. AshleyW.
    Jan 10, 2002
    10
    Hilary Swank was amazing but Chloe Sevigny blew my mind. This was a great movie.
  3. DavidL.
    Oct 9, 2003
    10
    While this film is truly an ensemble film in that all of the performances are top-notch, the real juice that keeps this engine humming is a full-throttle performance by Hilary Swank. No performance was ever more deserving than this Oscar winning performance of all its individual accolades and critical hosannas.
  4. AnL.
    Apr 6, 2007
    9
    This movie is like a dark coffee candy. It is so bitter and yet for moments we can feel the tenderness, the compassion and love exude from the movie. There are some painful scenes to endure but those are what make the movie linger in our heart long after the credits rolls. This movie is a raw, naked beauty.
  5. PatC.
    Jan 12, 2004
    6
    An unpleasant but powerful little movie where the characters are subtly saturated with the melancholy insanity of the northern prairie. The sad thing is that if Teena had actually been a guy he could have ended up with the same problems. Bigotry is wrong even when it happens to those not currently politically authorized to be victims. Such as if you're a closet masochist conflicted into thinking you are merely improperly equipped sexually, as Teena appears to be. Great performance by Swank, in spite of an incomplete examination of the issues raised that in the end forced her to come across simply as another stupid lonely kid. That's right, because we are told this is a true story, and if she's not stupid, the antagonists are stereotypes. Expand
  6. Everett
    Feb 19, 2004
    4
    Just like the other more recent "true story", "Monster", it's a very mediocre movie with a very powerful lead acting performance. The story and the supporters revolve completely around her, and you don't learn anything about them beyond that, so ultimately, you don't care when bad things happen to them. Watch it so you can talk about it at school/work/sewing circle when it comes up. Expand
  7. snoopyw.
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    Un tres beau film a voir absolument !!
  8. DeneL.
    Aug 8, 2007
    10
    This movie is truly amazing, sad, and a true tear-jerker. It was well made and even though it didn't stay true to the real Teena Brandon, Swank acting was great.
  9. Kristi
    May 18, 2003
    10
    It was a great movie it made me cry, but now i know what teena went through and it is truly sad and touching.
  10. YoonC.
    Sep 14, 2003
    1
    It purports to be about sexual intolerance but doesn't the heroine of the movie really put herself in danger by hanging out with deranged thugs? Imagine a white kid who wants to be black, fakes it, and chooses to hang out with the most dangerous and psychotic elements of black community. If he's outed, of course he's going to be hurt, even killed. Not that violence is ever justified but when stupid people take really dumb self-destructive risks, I can't help them. I'd rather worry about people who are victims of trouble they don't eagerly seek out. Hilary Swank is never convincing or compelling as Teena Brandon and the movie relies on the oldest trick in the book to push its moral message: Teena is somewhat attractive, her tormenters are sweaty, swarthy boors. Not too far from the good/bad dynamic in Indiana Jones movies. Expand
  11. ButteredPopcorn
    Oct 13, 2004
    10
    This movie is amazing. I saw it almost a year ago and it leaves a lasting impression. This is a roller-coaster ride of a movie. You will be scared stiff, but the last thing you would ever do is get off. A very new fresh vision, beautifully told, with great acting. Mesmerizing.
  12. May 25, 2011
    10
    The film's greatest highlights are probably the acting performances. The performances by Hilary Swank & Chloe are unforgettable and terrific. although the movie looks horribly cheap, it has a well-written script and set to be one of the best movies of 1999.
  13. Oct 14, 2012
    5
    This movie it was ok what i don't like in this movie is the brutal rape scene , but i don't like the Director ,Kimberly Peirce is Crazy who had the stupid idea of this call ,this is not funny there is a lot of Children Abuse in the world ,Kimberly Peirce the only thing she want is money for this crazy call , when ONG listen this call they want be happy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPTHdG-Db_E&feature=plcp Expand
  14. Dec 30, 2012
    4
    Bad movie the story is very awful i found this film weak with no plot , only thing i like in this movie is the soundtrack , And i don't like Kimberly Peirce movies.
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 33
  2. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. 63
    Too sketchy about her protagonist's interior life, and too fast and loose with the details of this story, to make much of an impact beyond its initial shock.
  2. 100
    One of the best films of the year.
  3. There may not be a better- acted film this year.