One of the best movies about relationships i've ever seen. This movie is very real, raw, and intense. It makes you feel very strong emotions. You know a movie is special when it can do that. Great performances by all the actors, Natalie Portman especially stood out to me. She does a very real, mature, raw acting job which is phenomenal. Proves to the haters her acting is beyond their comprehension.… Expand

Sorry, machine translation. Thanks. The fig leaf and sex of Michelangelo's David Crowded sidewalk in a gray London afternoon of a cloudy and undated. And 'here, that the meeting between Alice, a stripper by profession and Dan, crime reporter, takes place. The song "The Blower's Daugheter" Danien of Rice and images, soft and caressing, we hand them over as they approach each other at a slow pace. People do not cover their eyes. Penetrating. Both hint at a smile. Exciting. Screech of brakes for a moment, and ... she is there, on the ground, motionless. Dan is approaching the race, fears the worst, but ... a smiling and reassuring "Hello, stranger" gave him the certainty of an important meeting that will forever change both their lives. Anna and Larry form the other pair disruptive. Professional photographer, her dermatologist him with a taste for hard chat. It is in one of the many "online chat" with short questions and short answers from erotic tall, Dan "knows" Larry. The doctor was immediately taken by the strong sensuality of a journalist who thinks a woman. E 'catharsis. Dan gives Larry, seduced by now, an appointment at the London Aquarium. Who will meet Larry? This meeting is expected that high erotic couples will create new dynamics in the sentimental? The film, for those who are vulgar, restores its centrality to human. The man just because a thinking being, is a dynamic element of the universe, despite the many contradictions that accompany it. Numerous works of art have been, over the centuries, censored, destroyed, ghettoized, declared it obscene. Michelangelo's David was hidden sex with a fig leaf to avoid the redness to Queen Victoria. Well done the cast, a superb interpretation of Clive Owen. "Good ciak!."… Expand

Really good movie! Remind me of Match Point. Natalie Portman is absolutely wonderful, but all the acting is amazing. The best point of this movie is that it's really unpredictable. Worth the view.

one of the better movies ive seen and i watch it alot, cos it so real about relationships in todays age, love it everytime i see it, clive owne owned all the others in thsi film :)

The acting was great and very believable. It has some amusing moments, and it was very heart-felt. The love square was artfully portrayed. Overall an enjoyable film with great actors.

Margaret A.! The title of the mane song is "Come on closer" by Jem. It is realllllly coooool !!!

Wonderful film. Owen and Portman were simply flawless. The scenes between the characters were so brutally honest, you felt pain watching them. I mean a good kind of pain. One that left you awake and at the edge of your seat. It was like a talkie that felt like an action movie.

Haunting and heartbreaking.

The best movie I have seen in a very long time. Who knew Julia could really act? The direction is impecable and the soundtrack is also poignant. But the writer deserves the most kudos for being unafraid to unleash rhythmatic dialogue that cuts to the truth of the human mind. It is a fearless movie with fearless performances. Those that have failed to see that on this page, I can only assume, are afraid of their own love's fate or are completely dry in the creative department....because this is good cinema.… Expand

This is easily one of the BEST films I have ever had the privelege to see. The acting was AMAZING. Natalie was the best I've ever seen her and Jude played his part well, too. Even Julia showed that she can do something with depth. I normally get bored when I try to watch movies, but I was completely glued to my TV. Natalie and Jude were REAL in their parts. I've never seen two actors have that kind of chemistry onscreen (Although-- The actors in 'Unfaithful' do come close) Those of you that said the dialogue and actions of the characters were unrealistic are wrong. Some people are more intense than others. I have been one of those "intense" people. I have witnessed the strange obsessions that some people can get into over eachother and it really isn't so far-fetched at all. People really DO say and do things like that. People that don't see the truth in this movie are clearly the kind of people who are too scared (or just not bright enough) to look inside themselves or to be honest about their motives or the motives of other people -- Anyway, my review is- This movie is fantastic-- If you're given to periods of some intense self-analysis, you will adore this movie... If you sit glued to reality TV and ESPN and rarely pick up a book- Don't bother- it will go straight over your head.… Expand

I love jude law.

Bravo! Funny, sad, raw, edgy, emotionally draining - totally compelling. Messy, life like. The cast is perfection, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen give Oscar worthy performances. Their breakup scene is best acted scene in a movie this year.

Well written. Well crafted. Well acted. If you didn't like this movie, it is because you didn't understand it. Anybody expecting to see pretty woman deserves to be disappointed.

I never go to theaters, so this is like going for a time.

Superb!

One of the best movies of 04. Very real and touching.

One of the most sexually explicit movies ever, and it doesn't even contain any sex scenes. For that alone, it is totally awesome. Not to mention great performances from all the actors, especially Clive Owen. Even though his character is totally despicable, you still end up kind of rooting for him in the end. Awesome.

Top notch film. Amazing cast, couldn't have been better. Natalie Portman was very believable in her role as Alice. Had to pay close attention to keep track of the plot at times. It was unlike any other movie about relationships. A great drama that keeps viewers intriuged until the last second.

The best movie that i saw in many years. Sad and beautiful and Blower's Daughter is the song.

The performances and the screenplay are oscar-worthy.

It is so truthful that it gets you absorded! It is funny, inteligent and realist in many ways! Nelson Rodrigues stile, just great!

Tough picture to see, I can definitely see people hating this. The critics and moviegoers are absolutely right, it's VERY hard to sympathize with these characters, but I was surprised when I eventually did (to a degree). Not with Jude Law's character, who's a self-centered jerk. He does an excellent job, but his character is such a selfish prig, I swear, even when he's being nice, he's still being self-centered in some way - absolutely the worst guy here. Roberts does a fine job (kudos on her attempt to try something different), her character is so sad and pathetic, in retrospect, I think she was wallowing in self-pity, which is why she'd fall for Jude Law's character. At first, it's unbelievable how she'd let him into her life, but the reasons quickly sink in. No, the most sympathetic characters are surprisingly the two 'worst' ones, worst in the conventional, moral sense: the on-and-off stripper and the crass perv. Portman is EXCELLENT, I had no idea she could be this good after seeing her in those lame Star Wars movies. At times caustic and bitter, then euphoric, then completely falling apart, she's put through an emotional roller coaster and she pulls it off very well and very convincingly. Then there's Clive Owen: his character's a perv who's possibly a sex addict: he's blunt and nonchalant in talking about it in pornographic detail, he visits sex chat rooms, has no problem meeting strangers for sex and sleeping with whores...how can you possibly like the guy, right? Well, it's a miracle, because in the context of this picture, he's actually the most decent guy here. That probably sounds bad, but as it turns out, his crass and crude demeanor is a reflection of his honest, too. He doesn't lie, his affections for those close to him are real and deeply felt, and when he acts nice, he's genuinely sincere - no selfish motive or anything, he's genuinely sweet. If you really want to spell out his problem, it's that he refuses to hold back his emotions. If he feels animal lust, he lets it fly, but by the same token, he doesn't take his real relationships for granted either for the same reason. May be tough to watch, but approach it with an open mind.… Expand

One word amazing.

It surprises me that this movie evokes such negative reactions from reviewers. I thought this was a wonderful movie..cleverly acted, (in particular by Clive Owen and a Oscar-worthy performance by Natalie Portman), well written (barring a few minor plot irregularities), and was a viewing delight throughout. It is a rather depressing look at human nature, but that makes the film all that more engaging, and truly unique in the all too common "happy" Hollywood movies and sappy endings. To me, this film delivered what Sideways promised and never delivered....witty dialogue, clever interplay between characters, and depth of character development. A truly wonderful film, not to be missed. … Expand

Very good!

Intense and upsetting but wonderful, haunting.

Tired of manipulative, cloying Hollywood films with their ever-so-predictable uplifting endings? Here's a nice break from all the cinematic Holiday hooha.

the movie flows in and out of love and sorrow so flawlessly, the performances are riveting, especially a haunting roberts as the sad and solemn, anna. watch this. and be prepared to be shaken into loving it or hating it. depends on your intellect.

Welcome to the real life. S..t happens and kudos for the film to show the other side of happiness. excellent film.

I adore it I hated it the first time because I was slightly disturbed......at its honesty I suppose. Here is the thing it is honest truthful of breaking down people.....are all people cheaters and decievers? NO but everyone keeps some kind of secrets and has weaknesses and some let go of inabitions and some live by them until the day they die. but in the end is anyone really happy with the life they have? or what they have? There are a very few who can say yes. the majority say they are unhappy. The acting was brilliant and the plot was fantastic. Anyone who gives a low rating (no offense) but they probably treat life as a fairy tale this shows just a little piece of people inside and out.(Again dont take offence(I am dating a person who acts as life is a fairy tale) :O)… Expand

It was the best film i have ever seen. so dramatical and sad but interesting. how people can destroy their lives without knowing what they want.

This was a really great movie. The music was absolutely tremendous. Jude Law & Co were outstanding. Could someone please tell me the name of the song played throughout the film.

This movie is fabulous, a fabulousness no other movie can embody. It is great because shows life how it is ; the way people are too scared to admit.

I love this film! I love Natalie Portman!

Great and honest movie, great prerformance of the actors. A portrait of real life.

My favorite film of 2004, brilliantly written, acted and directed.

Perfect. It was so cool. So much fun... enough for the whole family!

The best movie of the year. I was apprehensive about seeing this movie because I had read that the characters are so "unlikable." I expected some dark, grim exploration of the meaninglessness of human relations. Instead, I saw one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. People who hate this film are simply incapable of admitting that "love" (whatever that means) is just a power struggle. Self-awareness, sharing, being in touch with your emotions, therapeutic values: this movie shows that they haven't changed the way people behave--they have only become weapons in the arsenal in the struggle for emotional and sexual dominance. The film is funny because anyone honest enough knows they would do the same things if they were as good-looking and charming as Jude Law or Natalie Portman. People who don't get it are Puritans and should be burned.… Expand

The best film i've ever seen.

I just had to react to some of the coments left here. First time I do, but I think this movie is worth it. Some people here have obviously never seen a bad movie and should go to the cinema more before they drop comments. calling this movie " the worst [they] have ever seen" is either admitting they have very little to compare to or conceiding they were shocked/felt insulted by the movie (which in itself doesn't mean the movie is bad). Some may never have lived such situations or felt such feelings, and/or find them to be the expression of a pervers nature. This just isn't a movie on the way human beings sometimes cooperate to make a better world. Deal with it. As for the dialogue's they may not be realistic when removed from the scenes to which they belong, but who cares ? cinema isn't about writing everyday life exactly like it is, it's about giving the illusion of everyday life. If you watch this movie with an open mind, you'll get sucked in. If you're just waiting for an occasion to rate julia roberts acting, or if you came because the big names printed on the big posters reminded you of sweet love stories (be it in a galaxy far far away or in a nearby brothel), go chat on the forums, write to your favourite magazine, yell out your anger, but don't give this film a 0, your deception has nothing to do with its value. Every word, every sentence, especially in the breaking-up/fighting scenes came when and how I wanted them to come. Maybe noone in real life would be so crude (and I honestly don't see why not) but we've all deeply wanted to ! (I actually came to admire Clive Owen's character for his raw honesty) And since when do the characters have to be likeable to make a good film ? You may hate these people after seing the movie... but how is that bad ? you've felt strongly against them : this movie has brought you strong feelings ! Now you know who you definetly are not (although I dare think that whoever says he/she is not even a little bit concerned is either a liar or has lived his/her entire life in a box, alone). Now to the "honest but shallow/hollow exploration of the human nature". I am French and have lived in France many years. I was culturally brought up by french cinema and I therefore know what a hollow movie on human nature is, I have seen many failed attempts, (Just think that only the "good" ones make it abroad, and even they have a hard time), watched everlasting minutes of raw rape scenes, bared crying men on stools in empty rooms for half an hour, and heard endless, pointlessly intellectualized dialogs. This is not one of them, this movie goes to the point and it gets there fast. Sure, it doesn't explore every aspect of the characters' lives but that just makes it more universal. Most people agreed on the fantastic acting (Owen, Law, Portman AND Roberts) and the beautiful score, so I'll just skip that. Actually I'll stop here all together, I'm growing tired of English grammar and I've made my point. Closer is a great movie. Period.… Expand

This is a film so complex and clever that it is bound to go over the heads of most of the viewing audience. Every word that is spoken has a double meaning to it, and if viewed with the understanding of this ironic level, the experience is far richer.

One of the best movies of the year and in my opinion, the best acted one.

This film is beautifully made, the acting is superb - mike nichols is flawless.

There's a subtle, darkly urban gothic eroticism that devours the viewer upon seeing the first scene. the sense of doomed romanticism is palpable. stylishly jagged dialogue and riveting performances swell in certain scenes (larry/anna break up, larry/alice lap dance). and one outstanding performance by a certain julia roberts. there's a rousing sadness behind her eyes, and it9;s a shrewdly subdued performance, as if she could fade into her own heartbreak any minute. hers is one of the most under rated performances of the year. one that will not be awarded by an award just for the sheer invisible value in it.… Expand

Unsettling, troubling cinema. it reminds of the conversational pieces of woody allen, only more abrasive and neil labute's emotional monsters, only more romanticized. three wonderful performances and one absolute standout. julia roberts gives a shrewdly subdued, complex performance, chilly and painfully sad. it's the most under rated performance of the year.

Julia rules in this movie best acting ever.

Just because the movie is real doesn't mean its bad. This is possibily the most true to life movie I've ever seen. It seems to only have 0-1 or 8-10, with no ratings in between; that should tell you something.

Outstanding. Real. Anyone wanting happy endings or 'everything explained' should stick to Disney. This is what real life is like. Deal with it.

I can understand where moviegoers looking for an escape may be turned off by this movie. However, for those of us whether we are sentimentalists, cynics, heartbreakers or heartbroken this movie speaks to you. In an age where knowing people exists via chatrooms and notions of true love are scoffed at by those who have actually loved, this movie encapsulates what many of us go through. For those who have loved, who cant love, or who want to.....check this out.… Expand

Emotionally charging, out of breath, depressing sort of a film. Natalie Portman and Clive Owen's best work to date (and Croupier). Only quirk is that there are a few actors that would have fit Anna's (Roberts) part better.

I fail to see why this movie has engendered such controversy among reviewers here...so what if the characters are not likeable? The acting is great, Julia Roberts is really not bad at all and great to look at, the other actors do a terrific job, the dialogue is mostly very fresh and refreshing, the plot is difficult to predict yet is not just an intellectual game... Not a perfect movie, maybe not a masterpiece but a very engaging piece of work. Are we, I assume, Americans, so puritanical even in the "liberal" precincts of the art movie going public, that we cannot stand to look at the uglier side of life even if it is draped in such visual beauty?… Expand

Unusual and unexpected...I enjoyed it completely...I find it hard to believe some found it "pornographic"... Certainly not for the kiddies, but pornographic??? Lighten up, ya prudes!!! Great film.

This is proof that a movie doesn't need to make you feel good to be effect. Its purpose is to make you loathe these people, and hope that you don't become like them. It exposes their weaknesses (smoking as a metaphor here). Films this powerful are very rare, and performances like Clive Owen's do not come often, and should be embraced and praised when they do. My favorite film of last year.… Expand

This is definitely a movie that will be either loved or hated. The acting is really outstanding, not hollywood cliche, but powerful and gritty with so much substance that it is easy to relate to each character as they develop through the film. The story contains an overwhelming amount of raw emotion and honesty, and unfortunately I think this turns alot of viewers away, but the reality of the story is what I really appreciate about this film. If you have ever known love and heartache, this is a must see.… Expand

One of the very few movies showing true relations - with uniquely truthful direct speech between the characters, and amazing music selection!

One of the best movies I have ever seen.