Hard Candy
User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 218 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 192 out of 218
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 218
  3. Negative: 19 out of 218

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  1. LilH
    May 19, 2008
    10
    Loved it. The recoloring was amazing, not to mention Ellen Page's performance. Very thought provoking too.
  2. JeremyF.
    Jan 20, 2007
    10
    I have no idea how anyone can say this movie is horrible. A couple people on here have said that Ellen Page is terrible and overacts in every scene. This is beyond untrue. Her performance is one of the best and most perfect performances of the decade so far. She is powerful, passionate, and sadistically awing. She goes beyond "pulling off" every aspect of her role. As the movie goes, it's impossible to look away. A lot of people and critics say it's sick, and disgusting, and how you can barely sit through it. And that's true. You can barely sit through it, appalled, disgusted... etc. But you do. It's grossness, disgust, and sadistic thrill is what really grabs you. It lands it's claws in you and doesn't let you get away. Your eyes are glued to the screen because you're sitting at the edge of your seat, saying "what's she gonna do to him next?" or "what's he going to do to her." It's suspense is pulled off immensely, which is 85% true because of the beyond spectacular performances from Page and Wilson. The one thing that I think rattles most people is that during the film you don't know who to side with. He's a pedophile, so it's wrong what he's doing. Or is he? Is he a pedophile? Or is she just assuming and insanely torturing him? But also, on the other hand, if he is a pedophile, you agree with Hayley that he should be punished, and despite her sick technique and skill, you almost feel like you're siding with her. But then you feel bad for the pedophile, almost, and that makes you feel bad. It's just an overwhelming thought: who is right? who is wrong? are they both wrong? true, it is sick. true, it is sadistic what she does. but it's also true, that "Hard Candy" is one of the decades best put-together, and best acted films yet. 100 / 10 !!! ps: it's not overhyped, kids, don't worry.… Expand
  3. Staceyflip
    Dec 3, 2007
    10
    I was frozen in my seat! Spectacular and Gripping! to say the least. If anyone says the movie is disgusting- You don't really See anything! Ok? Some guys will hate it because of the strong female role and the male character going through..what he goes through. I love that you constantly change your opinion on who's side you're on. The acting was superb and completely suited the character's age, mental stability and the event occurring. Fantastic camera and editing work that feels so deep and so raw. See it and make up your own mind.… Expand
  4. DebC.
    Dec 6, 2007
    10
    I thought it was Awesome!!
  5. StephenH.
    Oct 6, 2006
    9
    I couldn't take my eyes off the screen...harrowing, in a word...Wilson and Page are superlative and pull of very difficult material that could have gone overheated. These are Oscar-worthy performances in a challenging yet fascinating film. Relentless, rewarding, with no copping out.
  6. BlossomMarie
    Sep 20, 2006
    9
    This movie was amazing. I ran out and rented it because I couldn't wait for Netflix and I'm a huge fan of Patrick Wilson from his performances in Angel in America and Phantom. I had read a few reviews and expected the film to be a lot gorier than it actually was. In reality, it's the mind of the viewer that creates the gore and horrors, as the film is almost shot entirely in close ups of Wilson and Page. As to the content, the film basically asks the viewers "who is more sick, this pedophiliac or the crazed girl who tortures him in the name of young girls everywhere?" I think the end of the film shows us the answer the producers would give, but the ambiguity of victim and predator leaves a deliciously eerie afterglow.… Expand
  7. RazvyT.
    Dec 13, 2007
    9
    Very, very, very good movie with a nice script and a very good director.Oh and the actors played awesome !!!
  8. NeuroticRampage
    Apr 30, 2007
    9
    These critics have absolutley NO idea what they are talking about. The acting, the story, the feeling is all there and its solid. The disturbing and often dark side to both characters will leave you on the fence with who is right and who is wrong. In a sense, they're both a little right and wrong, which is just a side effect in the hurling suspense this movie winds up to in its main plot. I'd urge you to buy this movie, since its unparalleled to anything I have ever seen in film.… Expand
  9. TaniaC.
    Nov 4, 2008
    10
    Absolutely great, brave movie. I think now a days it´s very important to show such a controversial topic.
  10. EmanueleS.
    Jul 22, 2008
    10
    Absolutely fantastic: actors director and photography are perfect.
  11. spikeleejoint
    Jun 13, 2009
    10
    Whats with this movie, its too good. Not allowed. This town isn't big Enough for two incredible dream come trues. There's orgasms and "hard candy". Damn right I made fu**ing room for two. Twos company, threes a party with God.
  12. Junomacguff
    Jun 13, 2009
    10
    Holy sh**! What did just witness. A true masterpiece. How did the oscars miss this and catch a horrible movie like crash. The script for this movie was incredible. Patrick Wilson was perfect and very real and ellen page was truly godly magnificent. She was more then extraordinary. She usually gives performances like thus and I know it but I'm still always surprised. Really amazing movie. I don't know what other adjectives to describe this movie as(or ellen page) but its needs to be watched. The ending is awesome.… Expand
  13. JeffreyL.
    May 3, 2006
    10
    A fantastic breaktrhough performance by Ellen Page, who creates a "psycho ....." of the same caliber as Glen Close in FATAL ATTRACTION and Kathy Bates in MISERY. (And with better one-liners!)
  14. SeanM.
    May 5, 2006
    10
    Very intense and unsettling psychological drama. Great performances, not over the top, although some of the scenes definitely are. Two big thumbs up from me.
  15. FredW.
    Sep 24, 2006
    9
    I liked the uncertainty of who is actually the protagonist, as well as the absolutely agonizing climax and excellent performances, but in the end something that you can't put your finger on just doesn't feel right.
  16. JayMustYouKnow?
    Nov 1, 2007
    10
    The film was...pleasing. I rather enjoyed the turn of events and I think Mr. Wilson and Miss Page are wonderful actors.
  17. LukeH.
    Oct 3, 2008
    10
    Amazing. One of the most perfect movies you will ever see.
  18. MsHabanera
    Feb 8, 2008
    10
    This movie was fantastic. The acting was superb, the direction and cinematography top notch. A tough subject. I agree with Stacey flip - it was gripping. And just when the story threatens to be monotonous, Jeff figures out the castration was faked, and the film turns again. Simply astonishing & gutsy.
  19. JakobL.
    Jul 13, 2008
    9
    This intense thriller shocks with its intense visuals and explicit content. Young actress Ellen Page succeeds with acting the part of you Haley that captures a person she suspects to be a pedophile and tortures him until he admits to the crime, if he even committed such? The audience will constantly have to reconsider who's the good guy in the movie, is it the young girl who's rightfully punishing a killer and a rapist or is it the innocent 30 year old photographer thats a victim of a young girls insanity, remember four out five doctors do agree that she is in fact insane.… Expand
  20. KyleK.
    Jul 21, 2008
    10
    A raw, disturbing film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. This is a hard film to watch. Its not for everybody (remorseless torture is involved) but for those who aren't bothered by its explicit subject matter, this is a must see. If for nothing else watch it for the performances. Patrick Wilson and Ellen Page are phenominal (probably the best two performances of 2006).… Expand
  21. Tasha
    Aug 3, 2008
    9
    Weird but great movie!
  22. DarrenW
    Aug 12, 2009
    9
    I'm no relation to Matthew W, and while all are entitled to their opinion, am glad as I could not disagree any more vehemently. I have to point out that (spoiler warning!!) his assertions that Jeff was tortured for no reason are misguided, as is apparent to any who pay attention to the film all the way through instead of tuning out to ponder their expectations of the next blockbuster on show (or, in Matthew W's case, perhaps "too" ponder it). As for my review, I found the roles to be incredibly well portrayed, with Ellen's blend of adolescent enthusiasm and intriguing insight a rival for Dakota Fannings role in "Man on Fire". Patrick Wilson was a brilliant counterpart to this, leaving the audience wondering till near the end as to his true role in the story. Not since "2 girls and a guy" have I seen as good a counter play between characters. The cinematography was excellent, with only one exception, (another spoiler warning here) early on in the film which, for the insightful, may give a hint as to one of the early twists in the story.The remainder excels in it's efforts, and helps emphasize said counter play between the characters. For the story, I can only say enthralling. A psychological thriller is push and pull by definition, and if I give any criticism, it is that I found it a little too one sided. That being said, the twists were original, and the audience was regularly left asking where the line was to be drawn. I enjoy blockbusters as much as the next person, but is relieving to see some writers able to make a film that doesn't rely on any special effects, able instead to find a way to use the acting to carry the audience on a journey. Often it is said the book is better than the movie, but I feel that in this case, were the book readily available, I would still rave about the movie. I look forward to the stage production.… Expand
  23. CatS.
    Dec 29, 2006
    10
    Wow! Disturbing ,beautifuly shot , Ellen Page is an unbeliveably complex actress. Patrick Wilson plays off her preformance with such realism. Subject matter is difficult ,taboo for some, but for those that enjoy a film with charecters sound and visuals this is a must see peice of art!
  24. JarJar
    Apr 14, 2006
    10
    VIsceral and tight, any concerns regarding plot are obliterated by the amazing performances and social implications of their actions. Utterly amazing.
  25. JulioP.
    Apr 28, 2006
    10
    Truly sadism at its best, and quite possibly the most terrifying film since Takashi Miike's "Audition." Though the "Hard Candy" plot is not as involved as the other, it remains a satisfying as an ultimate voyeur.
  26. JohnL.
    Sep 28, 2006
    9
    This is a great film but not for people with weak stomachs. A vigilante film that makes Charles Bronson look like a chump. It's so squalid; the most gruesome train wreck you'll ever see and you can't stop watching. Ellen page is Lolita with a "jack the ripper" profile. Hard Candy is sweet, I was musing over this film today and I'm finding I like it more and more. It begs the question of vigilantism. Is there virtue in being a vigilante? The cinematography is great. The images that are crafted make your mind race and your stomach churn, and all by the power of suggestion. The story is also quite singular. See it if you don't mind the violence.… Expand
  27. robertt.
    Apr 18, 2009
    10
    One of the best opportunistic movies for acting i have seen but of course i am a huge fan of Ellen Page. I think she is a phenomenal actress. i like the camera work for the most part as well as the directing and writing. I don't think it was the best film of 2005 but most likely one of them. Ellen Page was amazing bbut i thought that Patrick WIlson could have been better.Overall it was a good movie.… Expand
  28. SeanC
    Aug 17, 2009
    10
    The movie draws you in with Hayley's innocence, and soon turns. It surely isn't a movies everyone will like, the intensity is hard to sit though. I undeniably enjoyed it, but it took a while to get over the entirety of, in fact, it took me a week to decide weather or not I even liked the movie. I came to the conclusion that it was my undeniable favorite, if not just for the fact that it took me that long to decide. The only problem about it is, that although it is my favorite, I doubt I will ever watch it again, it's simply too intense. It is a true "Must See".… Expand
  29. gagaforever
    Sep 20, 2010
    10
    A very disturbing, but great movie. When I first saw that Ellen Page was the lead I watched it. I soon found out that young people are not always innocent. The last line of the movie when she says "Or Not" really shows that if you are convincing you can get anyone to believe you. A shocking thrill ride that will make you cringe, cry and maybe even smile a little

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
58 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 6 out of 30
  1. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    10
    Tautly directed by David Slade, this drama probably offers more sadism than anyone could possibly want...The characters are absurd, but if you're up for this sort of thing, then surely you can con yourself into accepting them. Personally, I'd rather have this movie obliterated from my memory.
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  2. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Eric Campos
    100
    A tough sit, but it attracts more than repels you. It commands your attention. Once it lands its hooks in you, there's no tearing away.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    70
    A spectacular performance by teenage thesp Ellen Page elevates this disturbing slice of designer shocksploitation into a film that's impossible to dismiss on principle.
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