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21 Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed movies.
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Garden State
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MPAA RATING: R for language, drug use and a scene of sexuality
Starring Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm, Method Man, and Jean Smart
Andrew Largeman (Braff) shuffled through life in a lithium-induced coma until his mother's death inspired a vacation from the pills to see what might happen. When he travels from L.A. back to his hometown, he meets Sam (Portman), a girl who is everything he isn't. Her warmth and fearlessness give him the courage to open his heart to the joy and pain of the infinite abyss that is life. (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
| GENRE(S): | Comedy | Drama |
| WRITTEN BY: | Zach Braff |
| DIRECTED BY: | Zach Braff |
| RELEASE DATE: |
DVD: December 28, 2004 Video: December 28, 2004 Theatrical: July 28, 2004 |
| RUNNING TIME: | 119 minutes, Color |
| ORIGIN: | USA |
Nominated, Grand Jury Prize (Dramatic), 2004 Sundance Film Festival
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this movie is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 142 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Kyle L gave it a10:
I think this movie has everything a movie needs to be great! It is hilarious at times, sad at times, and it can bring you to reality as well. A Great movie in my opinion!
Cindy P gave it a10:
Probably my favorite movie to date. I can watch it over and over again. The acting is incredible and the story is real and moving. I can't imagine how anyone could not like this movie!!
Justin R. gave it a10:
It's so beautiful. Everyone grows up and you can relate to the feeling of finding yourself. All of us have to do it, and Mr. Braff did a flawless job.
Douglas F. gave it a7:
Good flick! Can't say I'd see it twice but this was a real cute story with some fine acting by all parties. Braff could easily be misconstrued as keeping the movie a bit slow and such but this creates a genuine pace around a fella doped on lithium for about a decade. I thought the ending was a little rushed and unexciting but then who's attention span coes past 2 hours these days? I will definitely look up the director's cut as I'll just bet that "the left-outs" would make this epic. Would recommend you also see both!! O, and GREAT SOUNDTRACK!!
Ravi U gave it a3:
I dont know what it is about this movie, but the slow pacing and Braff's acting just seem to drag the movie down. Now, don't get me wrong...I enjoy independent films as much as the next guy, but this film just felt so tedious to get through. I honestly love Braff and Portman in their other projects (Scrubs and Star Wars, respectively) but I felt like there was just some chemistry missing here. I'm sad to say that I can't recommend this movie.
Daniel E. gave it a9:
Despite the unexpected turns and the overall stop and go feel, Zach Braff has managed to produce an amazing film for his directing debut. The eccentricities of his characters and the mundane, everyday events occuring throughout the film only accent the beautiful technique Braff has used to portray a heart-moving tale in an every-day setting. Natalie Portman is amazing, using her experience to fully capture the free-lance and somewhat goofy tendencies of her character. Peter Sarsgaard is no dissapointment, bringing to the table a realism that embraces the overall context of the film. I was excited when I saw the teaser trailer for the first time. And now, as ever, I'm both enthralled and touched every time I see this film. Kudos to Zach.
Nick S. gave it a9:
Really surprised me. I expected it to be good, but I was really blown away. It stands alongside Donnie Darko (and thematically, it's not dissimilar) as one of my favourites films. I very much recommend it.

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