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The Importance of Being Earnest
User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27

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  1. J.D.
    Jul 8, 2002
    9
    No, it's not a serious flick.. To sit and rationalize this film would be like trying to rationalize a Monty Python project. It's a light and extremely funny English comedy. Those who gave it a low score must've thought otherwise. It's everything Oscar Wilde was.. ingenious, witty, and endearing. Colin Firth & Dame Judi Dench were phenominal! I suppose the purists out there want the whole movie to be set in a drawing room, as in the play.. gee, I bet Miramax would REALLY back it then. (laughing) If you're into intelligent word play and classic comedies, I think you will love "The Importance of Being Earnest".… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. EmilyG.
    May 30, 2003
    9
    This movie was hilarious!!! The acting is great, Judy Dench, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth are great, and the settings are really cool. Some older plays that are converted into movies are stupid, but this one is awsome!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. SimonD.
    Oct 5, 2002
    10
    Brilliant adaptation for the screen, you can't see the join where extra pieces have been added for the sake of continuity and dramatic effect. Wilde would have been pleased with it!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. DamianP.
    Oct 7, 2002
    7
    Brilliant play (that's an understatement) but, despite this and the fine acting, something was missing from the movie version.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. AnneH.
    May 23, 2002
    8
    Great one
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. BlancoA.
    Jun 17, 2002
    8
    I enjoyed this movie, but not quite as much as another somewhat recent Ruppert Everett film, "An Ideal Husband." I didn't like Reese Witherspoon nearly as much as I thought I would, but Frances O'Conner is terrific. Colin Firth is brilliant as usual. I especially didn't enjoy the idyllic fantasy sequences associated with Reese's diary entries. They didn't fit the type of humor involved in the story.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  7. Chang
    Jul 13, 2002
    10
    Great movie great actors! I most prefer colin firth!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  8. SierraRae
    Sep 25, 2002
    10
    Highly entertaining and amusing. Follows the play closely, except in locations. I really enjoyed the humor and the actors that protrayed the characters.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. MobyB.
    Jul 18, 2006
    10
    Extraordinary dialogue, Wilde's screwball plot--worthy of an award for comedic geometry---a cast that knows how to let the lines take centerstage. Critics who pan the way the director "opens" the play are misleading. Any faults here are secondary. The film itself succeeds with wit and bmself.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  10. ClareA.
    May 23, 2002
    10
    This is a great movie that stands on its own merits. It doesn't need to be compare to the book or to any previous releases. Colin Firth is not only great in his acting, but very delicious to watch.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  11. Ms.SMDarcy
    May 24, 2002
    10
    Good script, creative director, excellent Jack Worthing with a perfect cast. Wilde would have been pleased.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  12. MarkL.
    May 24, 2002
    10
    Wit, bons mots, gorgeous sets, ultra talented cast! What more could one want? Run to see it!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  13. [Anonymous]
    May 26, 2002
    10
    Loved it--this is not your father's Wilde! Funny, breezy, a bit zany and great cast.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  14. PhilH.
    May 26, 2002
    9
    I want to move to England!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  15. AndreasL.
    Nov 25, 2002
    7
    The movie is like many converted plays........ not as good as the book!! although it was a delight to watch! Not sure about the hot air balloon used in one of the scenes in the movie!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  16. FrankieB.
    May 23, 2002
    9
    Wonderfully witty. A visual feast!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  17. ChristineM.
    May 23, 2002
    9
    Great - I loved it!!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  18. KristiB.
    May 23, 2002
    10
    A super enjoyable movie, had the entire theater in fits of laughter. Please don't compare it to the 1952 version, remakes are supposed to have their own identity...cheers to Oliver Parker. Colin Firth is a standout among the cast although they all do a fantastic job. Can't wait to see it again!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  19. CecileD.
    May 23, 2002
    10
    Colin Firth is the best actor in the world today. Many people have overlooked him. We love him in everything.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  20. MatthewW.
    May 25, 2002
    10
    Love the new adaptation and perspective. A breath of fresh air!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  21. IsabelC.
    Dec 28, 2002
    6
    This movie tried so hard to be as witty as the Wilde play, but in the end it failed for me. It had amusing and clever moments, but in the end it all became rather tiresome and silly.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    40
    Parker "opens up" a play that was perfectly wonderful closed down. Wilde subtitled his masterpiece "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People." This movie seems intent on being a trivial comedy for trivial people.
    Read full review
  2. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    25
    The result is a frustrating, boring mess.
    Read full review
  3. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    50
    These actors have a firm playful grasp and a palpable affection for their characters' befuddled dignity and attraction. They understand what Wilde meant by the importance of being earnest.
    Read full review
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