Pleasantville
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    100
    The kind of parable that encourages us to re-evaluate the good old days and take a fresh look at the new world we so easily dismiss as decadent.
  2. Dallas Observer
    Reviewed by: Bill Gallo
    90
    This uncommonly clever, surprisingly poignant fairy tale packs a social wallop that we're not quite prepared for.
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Elvis Mitchell
    90
    Ingenious fantasy.
  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Joe Leydon
    90
    Ingeniously conceived and impressively executed, Pleasantville is a provocative, complex and surprisingly anti-nostalgic parable.
  5. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    90
    Magical, visually exciting, affecting even in its sincere hokeyness, and extremely provocative.
  6. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    88
    Giddily inventive.
  7. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    88
    Not only is Pleasantville a satire, a fantasy, and a visual marvel, but it's the best kind of feel-good movie.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. FromHolland;)
    9
    I really enjoyed watching this movie.
  2. JackL.
    9
    This movie is great!!! I love it. It contains many themes and messages that allow you watch the film many times because most likely you will not understand everything at the first time. The concept is profound and poignant. This movie should have received a 80/100 by the critics at least.… Full Review »
  3. JustinM.
    9
    This film contains so many themes relevent to human nature: culture clash, art and censorship, intolerance and acceptance, reactionism, the list goes on. The performances are extremely believeable and genuine in the face of such a fantastical story. The visual achievements alone make this film worth a watch. The cinematography is a great mix between modern techniques and 1950s TV and film noir style. This film is a rare thing: a visually breathtaking story with real substance.… Full Review »
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