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User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20

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  1. ToddJ.
    May 9, 2001
    7
    The worst movie I've seen this year. tell Tom Cruise I want my 3.99 back.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. JuliaC.
    Apr 14, 2002
    0
    This movie was absolutely boring and at times tasteless, in a visual and intellectual sense.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. PatrinaS.
    Sep 5, 2001
    10
    It was very entertaining...The plot and setting were superb...This movie was highly entertaining...It kept me interested the entire time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. SMarjones
    Jan 15, 2007
    4
    *yawn* Thinks it's more important than it is. Why does every “period/historical piece” coming out of Hollywood have actors speaking with English accents? This took place in -hello- France during the age of Enlightenment. It's like casting Eminem to play Malcolm X - you miss the subtleties of the culture in question by being so consistently Anglo-centric. They do the same with ancient Roman films - can't they at least cast prominent Italian-American actors like De Niro and Pacino?!? As if Americans are too stupid to associate European culture with anything other than the British. It colored my whole view of the film, negating anything positive about the performances. Would it truly be that risky if they accurately portrayed the culture and character of the times? Kate Winslet with a Cockney accent – ooooh! I’m so impressed. *spit*.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. JayH.
    May 9, 2009
    6
    Exquisitely produced, excellent acting by all, especially Geoffrey Rush, Joaquin Phoenix and Kate Winslet. The costumes and sets are outstanding. However, I found it very talky and often tedious and I was downright bored at times. Yak yak yak yak.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. DwightW.
    Mar 21, 2001
    6
    This is one of those movies that thinks it's saying something important when really it's not offering much of anything in the way of substance. Only strong performances from the cast (especially Rush) save the film from tedium.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. SpazimN.
    Mar 2, 2001
    10
    This has to be one the best movie this year and of its period. It was magical and depressing all at the same time.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. JohnK.
    Jun 22, 2001
    10
    I rate this movie a 10 because Kate Winslet looks sexy.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. SofiaS.
    Jul 22, 2001
    10
    This film is the best that I have seen in my life. Geoffrey, Joaquin and Kate are wonderful!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. Wibble
    Sep 22, 2002
    9
    It may not make a profound statement but i can think of worse ways to spend my time... geoffrey rush is fab in this..
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. shehex
    Dec 9, 2007
    10
    Well now...sublime. Magnifique. I absolutely love Geoffrey Rush and I must say that his role as the Marquis de Sade was performed exceptionally. My favourite part of the movie is , you know...that intimate encounter between the late Maddy and the youn priest.Call me kinky, but I dare say that this movie fits perfectly not only the mind of those evolved in a different manner, sexually speaking, but it evoques sexuality in such a manner that it fits each and every living thing on earth.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. TedB.
    Aug 27, 2001
    3
    One point each for Rush, Phoenix, and Winslet. Aside from that, a complete zero of a film. Not witty, not sexy, not entertaining.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. AllanF.
    Jul 14, 2002
    8
    Witty, sexy, and entertaining!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. EricS.
    Aug 31, 2004
    9
    A disturbing vision of the dark side of self-expression. Intentionally sensationalized and deliberately off-color, it ventures to the very edge of the R rating. In doing so, it achieves an anarchy typical of all great indie films.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. GaborA.
    Mar 31, 2005
    9
    Perfect up until the overdone ending. But literally perfect to that point.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. RegOz
    Apr 6, 2012
    8
    This movie is delightful! ...not quite sure what Todd (below) means by referring to Tom Cruise for he is not there. This movie is engaging, touching, humorous, and clever. The Art direction is fantastic; the performances outstanding, the ambience feels real! Each time I watch it I enjoy it as I did the first time. It is not a 10, not even a 9 -not to me- but Less than an 8? I don't think so! If you haven't watch it, and you can find it, do see it...you will have the last word.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    90
    A savage comedy of sexual extremes; the barbed laughs draw blood.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: A.O. Scott
    80
    Occasionally becomes pretentious and shrill -- sometimes Mr. Wright isn't aware that his material is so good that he doesn't need to comment on his characters.
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  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Stephen Hunter
    90
    Profane, sacrilegious, pornographic, sadistic and Sade-istic, titillating and the most honorable movie of the year.
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