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The Hours
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Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 142 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Julianne Moore, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman
  • Summary: The story of three women searching for more potent, meaningful lives. Each is alive at a different time and place; all are linked by their yearnings and their fears. (Paramount)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    100
    Kidman, Moore, and Streep do some of their best work, backed by a first-rank supporting cast.
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    100
    The result is something rare, especially considering how fine the novel is, a film that's fuller and deeper than the book.
  3. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    60
    It's sometimes hard to breath for the sheer volume of acting sucking the air out of the room, and keeping three narratives movie without muddling them all is a hugely ambitious undertaking for any director, let alone one on his second film.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 69
  3. Negative: 12 out of 69
  1. smijatov
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of the masterpieces of the early 20th century, in my opinion. Every aspect of the film works perfectly: make-up, costumes, editing, directing, the score and, of course, the acting. Besides the perfect score by Philip Glass, one cannot but focus on the breath-taking performances that all of the actors have given us. Nicole Kidman is just mesmerising as Virginia Woolf and is literally unrecognisable. Very moving performances, that gives us a glimpse of what a genius' inner struggle could have looked like. Julianne Moore as well - perfect as the 50s housewife who goes through a life crisis of her own. Meryl Streep is just herself. Always good, with a devastating breakdown scene in her kitchen. The supporting cast is also spectacular - especially Ed Harris and Toni Collette. And I must say that the film is very faithful to the book, which is praise-worthy. The screenplay was written so well, that one cannot but congratulate David Hare for it and wonder how he did not get more recognition for it, for he surely deserves it. All in all - the best film of 2002, if not of the entire decade: 10/10.… Expand
    • 2 of 2 users said yes
  2. Bones
    10
    I just saw it and all I have to say is that I am really speechless. a truly beautiful film. one of the best films I've ever seen. ****
    • 1 of 2 users said yes
  3. Steve
    1
    Typical overhyped Hollywood crap. "Let's stare at screwed up people for two hours while they talk about how screwed up they are" Oh, and they're better be gay people involved or someone might be offended. When will Hollywood get over themselves.… Expand
    • 0 of 4 users said yes

See all 69 User Reviews

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