User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 42
  2. Negative: 4 out of 42

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  1. DaleC.
    Apr 3, 2001
    10
    Elisabeth Shue is remarkable in this film. She gets largely overshadowed in the press by Nicolas Cage, but the movie would certainly not be the same without her.
  2. Trentm.
    Dec 7, 2004
    10
    Awesome!!!
  3. KumariH.
    Feb 23, 2002
    10
    Elisabeth Shue is phenomenal! I could, and have, watch this movie over and over again. Nicholas Cage was also convincing in this part, though I usually do not like him much. The things they say in reviews are true - there is no sugar-coating in this story. But the thing I think is most beautiful about this movie is that these are two very desperately lonely people who still retain their humanity despite their "labels" that we would necessarily place on them in our world. And in their humanity, you really root for them, and you love them for their "faults." The idea of personal responisibility in this movie is really compelling, as well; you feel that they are determined to live as they will, conscious of the consequences that they will likely encounter. I think this screenplay really could have gone wrong in the hands of other people. But these actors are just fantastic, and totally pull it off. Expand
  4. TracyR
    May 31, 2005
    10
    An uncompromising, unsentimental poem. Perfectly done for what it is.
  5. SantinoS.
    Oct 14, 2002
    9
    This is an uncompromising look at alove story between two losers. Cage and shue are heartbreakingly realistic in 2 outstanding performances. figgis 's direction is masterful, especially the way he creates the mood of this sad movie. but the best part about this movie is that it does not compromise, especially at the end and does not settle for a feel good ending. one of the best love stories i've ever seen. Expand
  6. PatC.
    Dec 5, 2003
    10
    There is no better example of the interaction of two proficient actors at the top of their game. Vegas is the repository of the American dream, and these characters, in their efforts to dignify their situations, don't let us forget that that dream comes with a price. As close to truth as Hollywood nowadays allows itself to get.
  7. HaroldP.
    Dec 30, 2008
    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
  8. JobA.
    Dec 21, 2005
    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.
  9. Jan 23, 2012
    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
  10. Nov 15, 2012
    10
    It's deep, surreal, and offers a kind of operatic ecstasy that is both wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. Nicholas Cage and Elisabeth Shue also deliver flawless performances.
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Reviewed by: Leonard Klady
    100
    The film pulls no punches, takes no prisoners and flies in the face of feel-good pictures.
  2. Nicolas Cage gives one of the best performances of his strange, courageous career.
  3. Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    75
    Deliberately downbeat, it's best as a two-person character study, stumbling a bit whenever it extends its parameters.