The Last Circus
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Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critics What's this?

User Score
5.9 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

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  • Summary: 1937, Spain is in the midst of the brutal Spanish Civil War. A "Happy" circus clown is interrupted mid-performance and forcibly recruited by a militia. Still in his costume, he is handed a machete and led into battle against National soldiers, where he single handedly massacres an entire platoon. Fast forward to 1973, the tail end of the Franco regime. Javier, the son of the clown, dreams of following in his father's career footsteps, but has seen too much tragedy in his life - he's simply not funny and is only equipped to play the role of the Sad Clown. He finds work in a circus where he befriends an outlandish cast of characters, but as the Sad Clown he must take the abuse of the brutish Happy Clown Sergio, who humiliates Javier daily in the name of entertainment. It is here that he meets Natalia, a gorgeous acrobat, and abused wife of Sergio. Javier falls deeply in love with Natalia and tries to rescue her from her cruel and violent husband, unleashing Sergio's jealousy. But Natalia is torn between her affection towards Javier and her lust for Sergio.With neither man willing to back down, this twisted love triangle evolves into a ferocious battle between Sad Clown and Happy Clown, escalating to unbelievable heights in this absurd, shocking, irreverent and unforgettable film. (Magnolia Pictures)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Jeannette Catsoulis
    Aug 18, 2011
    100
    Brilliant, bizarre, dazzling and utterly demented, The Last Circus views Franco-era Spain through the crazed eyes of two clowns doing battle for the love of one magnificent woman.
  2. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    Sep 15, 2011
    78
    It's not a pretty picture, but it is a hellaciously gorgeous and original film.
  3. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Joe Neumaier
    Aug 19, 2011
    60
    Before going off in conventional directions, "Circus" is terrifically weird, funny and garish. Bozo and Clarabelle it ain't.
  4. New York Observer
    Reviewed by: Una LaMarche
    Aug 24, 2011
    25
    By the time the end finally comes, there's no relief. You're left with the vague recollection of an interesting movie you were watching before you got kidnapped and subjected to over an hour of torture porn starring a fat, sadistic clown.

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