User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 37
  2. Negative: 8 out of 37

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  1. JanineM
    Oct 1, 2007
    2
    Annoying and not funny. I kept waiting for it to build to something but it was all in vain. Notice how some big reviewers are missing from the Critic's reviews (New York Times, Chicago Tribune) I hope they will review this movie and send this stinker down a few notches into its rightful place.
  2. FredE.
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Probably the most satisfying work of surrealism in all of film. As gently disorienting and profoundly disturbing as your most vivid dreams. Some of the references to moraless wealth and instrinsic militarism seem more relevant today than 35 years ago at its release.
  3. MattF.
    May 30, 2007
    9
    A really great surreal comedy piece. This one's in my collection. Far from toothless, this one fully realizes and imbricates I think Bunuel's earlier, strictly surreal movies with a farcical cynicism. Though his political/social attacks may seem less than profound or biting than say "Belle de Jour," that is due to the satiric tone of "Bourgeoisie". It's like comparing Don Juan to, well, an equally sexually promiscuous character or novel without the silliness. Depends on the style you're going for. With that said, it's not my favorite Bunuel, nor is it my favorite surreal film. Expand
  4. PatrickB.
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    Incredible and unforgettable.
  5. JohnR
    Dec 16, 2008
    2
    Quirky. Thought it would be more like mainstream British comedy. Instead it was artsy and disjointed. The author seems to have some deep personal issues that are being worked out on screen. There were a couple of funny scenes, but the movie overall is not recommended.
  6. enriquec
    Jan 2, 2009
    10
    Beautiful, tough, strange but a masterpiece!
  7. BruceH.
    Aug 12, 2007
    7
    As usual, I read no reviews on this film prior to watching it, relying instead on its high critical marks for my decision to watch it. I think in this case that was a mistake. I enjoyed Discreet Charm
  8. YoonC.
    Sep 15, 2003
    8
    Bunuel watered down his cutting edge surrealism into sitcom material. Too self-satisfied and satiated in its critique of bourgeois society, too glib to the point of flattering the bourgeoisie for its amusing absurdities; rather toothless but Bunuel, an old man by then, could be forgiven and indulged with his lifelong obsessions.
  9. J.RyanG.
    May 27, 2005
    10
    A political statement and a work of art. The perfect movie.
  10. GoP.
    May 17, 2006
    3
    Pre-TEN-tious! A movie made for film students, not normal people.
  11. Aug 27, 2010
    10
    Who thought having a dinner party could be so difficult? Still, Bunuel shows his genius in taking a simple and absurd plot to make harrowing criticisms of its characters: the rich, the political, the religious, the militant - pretty much everyone.
Metascore

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. 90
    In the nearly 30 years since the movie was released (it won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 1972), one forgets how falling-about-funny is this mad caper.
  2. Far from seeming dated, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie seems timelier than ever, downright prophetic, for that matter.
  3. It seems pompous and scattershot now -- a tweaking of privileged European smugness that unfolds with a playful daisy-chain logic but has the tone of a quaint, doddering lecture.