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Leaving Las Vegas
Leaving Las Vegas Image
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Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Elisabeth Shue, Nicolas Cage
  • Summary: After being fired, an alcoholic screenwriter (Cage) takes his final paycheck to Las Vegas where he plans to drink himself to death. He comes in contact with a prostitute (Shue) who needs to be needed.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    Cage and Shue make these cliches into unforgettable people.
  2. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Rick Groen
    100
    At best, Leaving Las Vegas is pure alchemy -- it makes of flawed humanity a hymn, and of forlorn hope a beacon.
  3. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Harlan Jacobson
    60
    Leaving Las Vegas is special. A courageous plane wreck of character study.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. HaroldP.
    10
    Won't say it's the finest movie ever made, but it's my favorite ever. This film haunts me days after I watch it. Elisabeth Shue's tragic beauty is almost too much to bear. If you've ever loved and lost you understand what I mean.... This is Nicolas Cage's best performance, it's clear he knows his way around the bottle. Depressing, yes, ultimately uplifting...no. Just a small window into the lives of two hurt souls who finally find a lover and friend, even if they both know it's much too late...awesome.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. JobA.
    10
    I've seen this movie probably 30 times.The acting by cage is really unbelievable.Who ever doesn't like this movie never really paid attention to the amazing story and acting.A work of art.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Erosiccu
    9
    This movie cannot be taken at face value otherwise you will entirely miss the point. This move DOES have phenomenal philosophical value and depth. I can see how watching this movie without any guidance will lead you to believe it is possibly the most terrible movie ever made but I was asked to watch this for a Philosophy course called The Meaning of Life and looking at the film through that lens made all the difference. Watch this movie, pretend to be super philosophical and deep, and see what you can get out of it.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 15 User Reviews

Trailers

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